SEAFRONT traders are calling for action over a project to rebuild a fish restaurant as they claim it has become a “bomb site.”

Southend seafront business owners say works to rebuilt Fisherman’s Wharf must be sped up and the site has been an “eye sore” for too long.

But a spokesman for the business and project insist the project is still progressing.

Martin Richardson, owner of the Happidrome Arcade said: “It’s been an eyesore since they tore down the old restaurant. It’s the first thing people see when they come for the town centre and when they arrive by coach.

“It looks like a bombsite and it’s a shame as it’s a prime site. They could do some nice hoardings with images showing what is coming to the seafront.

“We do need a nice restaurant there and it was never going to be an easy project. I think it’s been going on about five years now.”

Paul Thompson who owns Pebbles One Café also hopes it’s up and running soon.

He said: “There is a risk the look of the site could impact this area of the seafront. I hope they can get it done soon and it’s a shame as it had a good reputation.”

Work began on the site of the restaurant in Western Esplanade back in 2018 - three years after it was granted planning permission by Southend Council.

The old restaurant was demolished, with its glass frontage, to make way for a new one on the cliffs site, opposite Adventure Island.

The Fisherman’s Wharf was opened in 1986.

A spokesman for the business said: “Groundworks are virtually complete. The piles are in, the drainage is in and the retaining work is complete ready for the next stage of steelwork construction.

“Work involving heavy machinery and lorries is not permitted during the school holidays because of the obvious issues with traffic movements in an exceptionally busy area of the seafront. This results in the lack of activity on site over the summer period.

“The contractor is due to return to site shortly once second phase of funding is finalised. The council has been kept informed.”