ANGRY residents and councillors have expressed disbelief after it was revealed that an ugly, empty cafe has so far cost the taxpayer £623,875.

The true cost of the glass and steel block, part of the recently refurbished Warrior Square Gardens, was revealed to councillor Julian Ware-Lane. He specifically asked for the cost so far, and was stunned by the response.

Mr Ware-Lane, a Labour councillor for Milton ward, said:

"I'm so angry I could cry. The damned kiosk has barely been open in it's two year existence.

"It would be bad enough if spent on something that was in use, but it is profligate insanity to waste it on a facility that has seen the Closed sign adorn it for the majority of its miserable existence."

The outlet was originally part of a £2million overhaul of Warrior Square, including landscaped gardens and lighting.

But it has been mainly unused since its completion in June 2011.

The first business to attempt to operate there was an Asian-style takeaway, but businessman Benson Kwan closed it after just a few days due to a problem with the ventilation.

After this, the shop remianed empty until August 2012, when council-contracted company Parkwood Leisure opened briefly, and sold paninis and drinks for four hours a day.

It has remained empty since, but Southend Council claim there are parties interested in the lease.

Alan Richards, Southend's group manager for asset management, would not comment on the cost.

However, he said: "The warrior Square project has made a great improvement to the square and surrounding area.

"The kiosk has been advertised for a new tenant since December 2012 and the council has recieved various expressions of interest.

"Negotiations are being held, and the council hopes to have the kiosk open as soon as possible."