COMPANY bosses insist they will continue to stay open for as long as possible as they battle against the predicted downturn caused by coronavirus.

Businesses in south Essex are remaining defiant about keeping afloat as people start to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus in the UK.

On Tuesday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced government loans and cash grants to support businesses if they are struggling.

Vikki Hazell, who owns Peggy’s Cafe in Benfleet, said footfall has drastically reduced.

The 36-year-old said: “It’s more the renters that’s the concern. We rent our properties and they haven’t put anything in place for renters.

“It’s not just commercial business but those who rent for their residential home.”

Speaking yesterday, she added: “I think I have had about five customers in today, but we’re still going to carry on.

“We’ve made nine deliveries to elderly residents this morning. I had one man who was 84 come in, in tears because he and his wife couldn’t find any eggs anywhere.

“We gave them to him for free of course, but it’s very overwhelming for these people.”

Lucy Hammerton, 35, owner of dog daycare company Paws Indoors Southend, said the firm would collect and care for any elderly people’s dogs for the day for free if their owners are self-isolating.

She said: “Our service is more of a luxury, so if people lose their jobs and can’t afford to have it done, it will affect us staying open.

“I don’t think there’s that much information out there at the moment. But we have a great bunch of friendly sociable dogs and as dogs are, by nature, pack animals we don’t want them missing out on the company of other dogs even if we cannot be in social situations together.” Popular Leigh restaurant, The Boatyard, has said it will remain open unless the government specifically orders public houses to close.

In a statement, the owners said they would respect customers’ decisions not to come out but hoped to welcome them back.

They said: “We are a large and airy restaurant with plenty of room to ensure a safe distance between diners, all tables and chairs will continue to be wiped down with sanitising spray before, between and after sittings and door handles and bathrooms regularly sanitised throughout the day and evening.

“A constant stream of fresh air passes through both our kitchen and public areas.

“We have a five star hygiene rating and are always meticulous about cleanliness, both in the kitchen and public areas and all our staff have been specifically briefed on current recommendations.

“We have stepped up our hand hygiene in particular, with staff members washing their hands even more regularly than usual.

“We hope that everyone stays safe and healthy.

“In these times of uncertainty, and in common with all of our extraordinary hospitality industry colleagues, we are certain that community spirit can help get us through.”

Philip Miller, owner of Adventure Island in Southend, welcomed the news of government loans but feared things could become worse.

He said: “Our biggest concern is how do we keep going? This helps but customers are very thin on the ground just now.

“How long the quarantine lasts will determine whether the chancellor’s financial package is enough to save customer-facing businesses from bankruptcy.

“I doubt whether the chancellor has enough in his pot to keep all afloat.

“As firms close, creating unemployment, these unlucky folks will have no spare cash to spend, causing other businesses to follow suit. Suppliers will go under. It might turn into a real mess.

“Governments might have to ask themselves is it lives or the way of life that takes priority.”