Long-awaited plans for a new Canadian fast-food restaurant in Basildon may continue a while longer as bosses fail to "provide a specific timeline" for opening.

Tim Hortons was awarded planning permission to build a new venue in Basildon two years ago, in August 2022.

The venue, based opposite the Pipps Hill Retail Park in Miles Gray Road, replaced the building that formerly housed the Burger Brats restaurant.

Despite the restaurant being built, it still stands empty with no opening date in sight.

Bosses previously promised the business would open to customers in Autumn of last year, and after no movement, an update in November hinted at a delayed opening in the “new year”.

However, almost a year on, it is still yet to open.

Basildon resident, Roy Davis does not want it to continue sitting empty.

He said: "It is ironic for me personally, as its on the old Yardley cosmetics factory site, where I worked for more than 20 years in security.

"I was the last person physically to leave the building before demolition, I switched off the lights and locked up.

"Tim Hortons is roughly where the office block used to be, so it holds a lot of memories for me.

"I really do hope something positive happens soon for it.

"That is whether it is Tim Hortons or new owners to take it on instead."

The Basildon chain would be the fourth in Essex with Tim Hortons already open at Lakeside, in Braintree and in Harlow.

Tim Hortons has provided an update this week, and insisted they are excited by the enthusiasm of the Basildon site.

However, they are still unable to provide any details on an opening date.

A spokesman for Tim Hortons said: "We are excited by the enthusiasm surrounding the location and appreciate the anticipation from the community.

"While we understand the desire for more details on the opening date, we’re currently unable to provide a specific timeline.

"Our priority this year has been on optimising our existing locations, which has naturally slowed the pace of new store openings."