A “FLOATING restaurant” that has been closed for almost 18 months has been branded an “eyesore” as its future remains up in the air.

The Miller and Carter restaurant, at Lakeside Shopping Centre, has been closed since December 23, 2022, when it began sinking into the lake.

The steakhouse, housed on a converted paddle steamer on the lake, has been empty since.

In July last year, Lakeside appointed a contractor to raise the restaurant back to the surface of the water, but no work has taken place since and bosses have admitted there is “no update” on whether it will re-open.

Lynn Worrall, Labour councillor and deputy leader at Thurrock Council, said the lack of progress is worrying and a decision needs to be made on its future.

She said: “It is very worrying, and it is already an eyesore. It is such a shame to see such a lovely, iconic venue and restaurant left to deteriorate.

“My family and I enjoyed the uniqueness of the boat and booked regularly to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.

“We, along with so many other families, were devastated when we heard it had sunk, and had hoped it would be repaired.

“I was heartened to see some initial work being carried out a few months ago, but it all stopped as quickly as it started.”

Metal hoardings have been put in place around the boat and Ms Worral has urged shopping centre bosses to make a decision on its future as a matter of urgency.

She added: “The boat is in a prime location on the lake, and I sincerely hope that Miller and Carter do invest and re-open or remove it, so that something else can be put in its place.

“Lakeside has benefited from significant investment over the last few years, so I am surprised the owners are not pushing for the repair or removal.

“The sooner it is repaired or removed the better.”

When disaster struck last year, bosses said the steamer had started sinking due to “structural issues”.

No one was injured during the initial sinking incident, but a large operation was undertaken to safely evacuate everyone onboard.

A spokesperson for Miller & Carter, said: “We are working with our landlords to determine the best course of action.”

The centre added that they “don’t have any information at present”.