A SEAFRONT coffee kiosk is still going strong 10-months after being told to close by the council.

Seathorpe Espresso at 193 Eastern Esplanade was ordered to shut down by Southend Council in January.

But husband and wife owners Ray and Beverley Clark appealed the decision with the Government planning inspectorate.

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The pair continue to serve hot drinks and snacks to their loyal customers ahead of a pending visit from the inspector which will decide the future of their business.

“The kiosk has been going well despite all the grief we have dealt with,” Ray Clark, 58, said.

“We are getting on with business in a nice quiet and peaceful fashion.”

Mr Clark say he and his wife are desperate to keep the business going, having made a new life for themselves.

“I’ve loved it down here, otherwise we would have walked away a long time ago due to all this aggravation we have had to deal with,” he said.

“Our hearts are in this. It’s not a massive money-making venture, we don’t sell absurd amounts of coffee, but it’s a wonderful way to work and enjoy life.

“There is a very eclectic group of people along the seafront who we have grown very friendly with.”

The Hullbridge resident says they are expecting a visit from the inspectorate before the end of the year.

“After the visit, we will get an adjudication,” Mr Clark explained.

“I would love the inspector to come down on a weekend when we are open and in full swing and the seafront is busy.

“He will see how well supported we are by the locals and how much we would be missed if we have to pack it up.

He added: “But it’s in the lap of the gods.”

Southend Council initially took action against the businesses citing “significant harm” caused to neighbours in terms of noise and intrusion.

In a bid to placate Southend council, this kiosk introduced a one-way queuing system, enforced no smoking rules, installed a privacy screen and reduced opening hours to 9am to 3pm.

Despite more than 1,000 people signing a petition calling for the kiosk to be granted planning permission, Southend Council ruled again the Clarks.