A PRIME spot on Southend seafront has been branded a "total bombsite" and “eyesore” by furious traders after years of inactivity on the site.

Bosses behind the much-loved Fisherman’s Wharf eatery, in Western Esplanade, got the go-ahead from the council to put up a two-storey replacement venue in 2015.

The new building is set to be a “stunning restaurant” offering views of Southend’s beach and the Thames Estuary.

Contractors from groundwork firm DDG Group jumped onto the site in 2018 for clearing but five years later, it sits neglected and traders have said it is “not a good look”.

Echo: Stunning - concept art for the new Fisherman's Wharf restaurantStunning - concept art for the new Fisherman's Wharf restaurant (Image: Unknown)

Echo: Keep out - Fisherman's Wharf siteKeep out - Fisherman's Wharf site (Image: Newsquest)

Paul Thompson, owner of the Pebbles One café in Marine Parade, said: “Everyone would agree it’s a building site, but in its current appearance, it’s not a good look in an area that is high in attracting tourists.

“It’s disappointing no progress has been made years down the line, but the site really does need to be tidied up as soon as possible.”

Pictures show building materials scattered around the site, as well as concrete blocks.

Echo: Above - the site from the Pier Hill Observation TowerAbove - the site from the Pier Hill Observation Tower (Image: Newsquest)

In July 2020, the family-run business, opposite Adventure Island, told the Echo the Covid-19 pandemic had “caused work to stop, and they were unsure when the project would continue to progress”.

The Echo has contacted Fisherman’s Wharf and the DDG Group for a comment.

No official announcement has been made on the future of the project or the restaurant and anger is growing at the lack of movement.

Similarly, Martin Richardson, the owner of the Happidrome Arcade in Marine Parade, added: “The site needs clearing up because it’s just a total bombsite eyesore.

“However, it’s not just the terrible state of appearance in Western Esplanade, but also the fact there’s debris blowing across the whole seafront during the wind.

“It’s not great at all.”

Fisherman’s Wharf had an “extensive menu”, including fish and chips, steaks and lobster.

Its location boasted sweeping estuary views and outlooks in a “comfortable and relaxing setting”, making it ideal for any sort of occasion.

Tony Cox, leader of Southend Council, said: “If anything in the city is vacant, we’d love to see these being brought back into action and bring more vibrancy to Southend.

“However, any site awaiting construction work needs to be looking tasteful.”