A PRIME seafront location has been left looking like a “bomb-site” according to furious traders, who have called for long-awaited plans for a new fish restaurant to be sped up.

Business owners across Southend seafront insist immediate action is needed to transform the construction area along Western Esplanade.

The popular seafood restaurant, Fisherman’s Wharf, is being rebuilt on the site and bosses insist they are doing all they can to move the project along.

But a recent lack of on-site activity surrounding the project is causing frustration among traders.

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.”

Paul Thompson who owns Pebbles One Café, also hopes building work can move forward as soon as possible.

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 new restaurant back in 2018 - three years after it was granted planning permission by Southend Council.

The old restaurant, best known for its glass frontage, was demolished to make way for the new building, based opposite Adventure Island.

A spokesman for Fisherman’s Wharf told the Echo groundworks were “virtually complete” and steelwork would be installed on-site during the next phase of the project.

He added: “”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.”