THE OWNERS of a popular former pub have called time on its car park.

Concern has spread over the future of the King Canute Pub, in Canvey Road, on Canvey after its car park is to be closed off to the public.

A sign has appeared in front of the pub, warning drivers that they will be unable to park there from today.

It reads: “Polite notice, this car park will be closed on 6am Monday, July 25. Any vehicle left overnight on Sunday will be locked in.”

The Echo reported last month that hopes the former pub would be restored were scuppered after it opened up as furniture store.

The pub, which closed its doors in May 2014, is now selling new and second hand furniture.

News of the car park closing comes as a blow to islanders who have used it to park for a parade of shops opposite the pub.

John Anderson, Canvey Independent councillor for Central ward, predicts the closure could cause “chaos” in nearby side streets.

He said: “There is no saviour mission for the pub, which is a shame obviously, so this could be quite ominous for the pub’s future.

“In terms of parking, I also think there could be a problem with cars clogging up the side streets nearby, such as Edith Road and Edith Close, as I am not sure there are any yellow lines are there.

“I am not sure about the legality of this either, but I suppose all will be revealed on Monday.”

The pub played an important part in keeping islanders safe during the 1953 floods,.