THE OWNERS of an independent coffee kiosk are “stuck in limbo” waiting for a decision over whether their business will have to be torn down.

Seathorpe Espresso was opened in April of 2021 – but seven months after setting up shop the business was told by Southend Council it would have to close down and dismantle its premises.

Owners Ray Clark and his wife Beverley went to appeal to save the wooden shack they were serving hot drinks and snacks from outside 193 Eastern Esplanade.

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However, the couple are “stuck in limbo” waiting for a government planning inspector – tasked with deciding the fate of the business – to inspect the site.

Mr Clark, 58, said: “It’s crazy that we haven’t heard anything.

“In October we were told that we will be notified of when they will pay their visit, so we can make sure we are open.

“But we are still waiting for a visit and as of yet, we have no news of when they will come.”

Mr Clark says they will have to wait at least another six weeks after the inspection before they find out the result.

The couple, who quit their jobs to set up the kiosk, are frustrated as they want to be able to either plan for improvements to their business, or plan for a life where they have to find another source of income.

“It’s very frustrating,” Mr Clark said.

“All we want is to know what we are facing so we can arrange our lives.

“But for now, we are just carrying on as best we can.”

Seathorpe Espresso is currently only open at weekends, due to the harsh winter weather.

However, Mr Clark says business has been going well, especially over the festive holidays.

“We had a good Christmas. The customers were in good spirit and there was a good atmosphere around the place,” he said.

“The community have been so supporting during this difficult period and we would like to thank our customers from the bottom of our hearts.”

A petition supporting the business and calling for it to be allowed to stay open was signed by more than 1,000 residents.