A TAKEAWAY has been banned from trading over fears it is encouraging people to breach Covid-19 rules and gather on nearby benches. 

Lorraine Bradley, who manages the All Smiles Catering van at Hockley Woods, has been told to stop serving over fears of groups meeting up.

Mrs Bradley insists she had offered to tape up or even man the council-owned benches she was still told the business could not continue operating.

With picnics banned under lockdown restrictions, the manager was told she could be held responsible for people breaching Covid-19 rules. 

The move has caused frustration because the benches belong to Rochford Council, rather than All Smiles Catering. 

Mrs Bradley, 56, said: “Last Saturday the police came, they asked us if we were legal and of course we are. They said you’re fine, looked around and then left.

“Then there were two little kids sitting on the bench, they were told to move by a police officer who said ‘this isn’t a picnic area’. She then said to me you’re attracting people here, picnicking is illegal at the moment. And so I said we weren’t. 

“I then got a call to say the police and council had been in touch and said we’ve got to stop trading.

“They have stopped us because people were using the picnic tables and due to the Covid rules you’re not supposed to be having a picnic. I even offered to tape the benches up and man the tables, but the answer was still no. 

“It’s not about the money, I love it there. It takes a long time to build up a place or position and it can take five minutes to crush it.”

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Hockley councillor Adrian Eves believes the council should have either removed the benches or taped them off.

However, council bosses say they are anchored to the ground. 

He said: “I understand the frustration that the car park gets very full, but problems won’t be resolved by shutting down the van. 

“She’s doing everything by the book, it’s a takeaway business. The benches are a responsibility for the council and not the van. It’s nothing to do with her.”

A Rochford Council spokesman said: “On the weekend commencing February 6 large numbers of people, not all local, had been observed in the Hockley Woods car park. 

“Concerns were initially raised by the police, as there were groups purchasing food from the vendor, using the benches in the park and congregating.  

“Council officers further assessed the situation and the food vendor is to cease trading at Hockley Woods.”