A SEAFRONT trader has revealed plans to adapt his business by cutting down on hot meals and providing more breaks to staff, as they prepare for sunseekers flocking to Southend during the latest heatwave.

Alan Neville, the 78-year-old owner of Westcliff ’s Riverside Café in Western Esplanade, is planning the changes for the welfare of his staff as forecasters warn of high temperatures for the rest of the week.

The UK Health Security Agency’s amber alert covers southern and central England from midday yesterday until 6pm on Saturday, with experts advising people to look out for older people, those with existing health conditions, and young children.

Mr Neville said: “This week we are planning on having more cold food and less cooked food so that the kitchen isn’t as hot for staff.

“We are also looking to have less hot equipment working for the staff too.

“We will be shutting down for short periods too, to give us all time to cool off, calm down and rest a little.

“When we had the last heatwave and it was 38 and 40 degrees we shut down completely for two days, as I felt it just wasn’t safe or good for our staff.

“It’s been extremely busy in a sustained way for us so far his summer, and there have been times when we’ve been full on and had to send people away.

“I usually just tell them to come back when I know there will be space for them.

“We have been getting in extra staff and about 25 per cent more stock for soft and alcoholic cold drinks.”

Kelly Noakes, who runs The Boat House Café in Eastern Esplanade, Southend, admits the weather is helping bring out large numbers of people.

She said: “It’s been very busy for us so far this summer and more so than I had expected.

“We’ve been getting in an extra staff member and ordering more stock including lots and lots of water.

“I am expecting this weekend to a very busy one.

“The weather is bringing everyone out and this trade is just what we needed.”