A POPULAR Westcliff restaurant dating back to the 1970s is set to close, leaving loyal customers devastated.

The well-loved Portuguese restaurant, Alvaro’s, on St Helen’s Road, could be replaced by four new flats if plans are approved by the council.

After 44 years in business, residents are now preparing to say goodbye to the restaurant.

S K Architects submitted a planning application to the council proposing to convert the site into four flats or maisonettes and confirmed the restaurant would close.

Fairway resident, Susan Salmons, celebrated her 70th birthday at Alvaro’s restaurant and is sad to see it go.

Mrs Salmons, aged 73, said: “It was a very nice restaurant and it’s just sad that I think we’re going to lose a lot of restaurants and establishments because of the pandemic.

“We went there for a special occasion to celebrate my 70th birthday. We went because we had been a few times and we knew it was a nice restaurant.

“They served lovely food with lots of choice. I couldn’t fault it and it’s a shame to see it go.

“I do think we’ve got enough flats but I suppose we do still need them. It’s a shame to see the old buildings converted.”

Ron Sverdloff, who lives on High Street, Leigh, added: “It was very nice when I went a long time ago.

“I would be sad to see it close because I remember it being a nice restaurant and any nice restaurant closing is a loss.

“When all the shops are gone and there’s only flats I can’t see how the town centre is going to survive.”

Plans were submitted to the council this week and will be voted on by the development control committee at Southend Council in the future.

Lisa Marks, a resident from Leigh said: “As a restaurant in Westcliff it will be a shame to see it become flats but if that’s what’s required and we need more housing then that’s what we need.”

Shadow cabinet member for business, tourism and culture, Derek Jarvis said: “From a business point of view it is always sad to see - particularly as we being to emerge from the pandemic - that businesses find themselves closing.

“I hope we don’t see these things happen so much as we move into a period of more positive science.”