A POP-UP coffee shop owner says he has suffered sleepless nights at the prospect of being forced to close by council bosses.

Ray Clark launched the Seathorpe Espresso, at 193 Eastern Esplanade, Southend, after the Covid pandemic meant he had to shut his two London mobile coffee businesses.

He insists he is doing something good in the community.

However, Southend Council is considering ordering him to shut as the single-storey wooden kiosk was built at the beginning of the year without planning permission.

The 57-year-old, from Hullbridge, said: “We have struggled through the summer and winter, and are only trying to earn a wage and subsidise London sites which were shut.

“I started doing this 17 years ago and had sites in the Monument area and at Hall Gate Station in London, but they have been severely impacted by the pandemic.

“The situation with the council is causing us tremendous stress. It’s been an incredible life-saver to run this business in Southend.

“I’ve suffered sleepless nights and a sinking feeling in my stomach. But you have to just keep going.”

Mr Clark offered thanks to his customers who have supported him and the business over the last year.

The businessman said he had submitted a second planning application to the council after the initial proposal was refused, adding that he just wants a fair judgement on the mobile coffee shop business.

A council spokesman said: “The council has a responsibility to make sure that developments are appropriate for the area in which they are located.

In this instance the planning application was refused because of the development’s harm to local character and the amenity of neighbouring residents, including harmful noise, disturbance, intrusion and loss of privacy.

“The council supports local businesses, and in many cases, we will work with applicants to find an appropriate design solution. Applicants have a right of appeal through the planning inspectorate, or alternatively they can submit a further application.

“In this case, the business owner has recently submitted a further planning application which will be considered on its own merits. In the meantime, the council’s development control committee will consider whether an enforcement notice is justified to seek to remedy the continuing harm.”