THE Wimpy restaurant in Basildon - which has served customers for 50 yeas - has shut down for good, marking the end of an era.

A sign on the door of Wimpy, on South Walk, Basildon states the restaurant has “closed permanently”.

Loyal customers have been left disappointed, while councillors raised concerns the fast food chain had failed to fight off the likes of McDonalds - which has a restaurant in the Eastgate Shopping Centre.

Tony Hedley, deputy leader of Basildon Council said: “I do think it can cope with the likes of McDonald’s and Burger King and it’s just been outnumbered.

“I think a lot have shut down and it’s a shame but life has to move on. I think people liked it as you could see a familiar face running it.”

Echo: Sad day - the announcement closing the Wimpy restaurant in Basildon which has been open for more than 50 years, serving happy customersSad day - the announcement closing the Wimpy restaurant in Basildon which has been open for more than 50 years, serving happy customers

Gary Canham, fellow Tory councillor and member of the regeneration and economic development committee reminisced about eating there as a youngster.

He said: “I was friend of the original owner’s son and have fond memories in the Eighties.

“It’s a shame to see it close and I know it did re-open so clearly there has been some changes in the trading conditions.

“Wimpy has had to compete with McDonald’s and there’s always lots of people in the area so there’s te potential for customers.”

The closure follows Kash and Navjot shutting up shop at the Wimpy in Billericay High Street earlier this year after 30 years running the business.

Wimpy was an international chain which began in the US in the 1930s and arrived in the UK in 1954.

There are still branches in Benfleet, Grays, Leigh, Rayleigh, two in Southend and Westcliff.

Hundreds of residents posted about their memories of the Basildon restaurant on social media.

One said: “My first job was here, 1969, thirteen years old I and used to work Saturdays and stopping off for a bus change on the way home from school, often got asked to work then. I remember all the market traders coming in for early breakfast on Saturdays, I loved it and they did the best chips anywhere.”

Another added: “God what a shame. I couldn’t walk past there when I was pregnant with my son with out buying a burger. If I dodn’t have one I feel sick and have the hump.”