AN UNDER-threat pub which has become a “second home” for motor bikers across Essex will be “greatly missed” if it closes.

Motorcycle fanatics have gathered in huge numbers at the Dick Turpin Pub off the A127 near Wickford for many years.

Hundreds of motorcyclists meet at the pub every year for the Southend Shakedown motorbike meet.

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With the event sadly not running this year, many may miss their last opportunity to say goodbye to the pub after a major firm submitted a bid to bulldoze it to make way for a petrol station.

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Adam Ball, 47, chairman of the Southend Shakedown Association, said: “The Dick Turpin has always been a massive part of biker culture here in Essex.

“It has been a big meet up point for events, funerals and weekly get togethers and it would be a massive shame to see it go if it does get bulldozed.”

Every Tuesday bikers from across the county meet at the pub.

Boasting almost 100 parking spaces, the venue is also popular with Essex’s car fanatics too.

Mr Ball, who has been going to the pub since 2010, added: “When the weather is good you cannot move for all the people that are packed in there, it really is a great place for a summer drink before heading out on the road.

“It holds a special place in our hearts as a couple of times when a well-known rider in the community has died the pub has been used for a meeting point for a ride of respect in their honour.

“It’s almost like a shared second home for us.”

Mr Ball says the biking community gathered around the pub after it narrowly survived permanent closure during the pandemic.

“When it looked like it wasn’t going to reopen again because of Covid we were obviously devastated,” he said.

“Thankfully they kept it going and we made a real effort to try and support the pub with our custom.”

“Over the years it has been a great place to meet like-minded people to discuss our passion, events and spread the word.”

He added: “It will not be easy to find somewhere else like that and we will deeply miss it if it closes.”