A POPULAR park could be without its cafe for some time after its owner decided to quit in a row with the council.

Tony Griffiths, 62, will call time on his six years at the helm of the cafe in Billericay’s Lake Meadows, after the council decided to link the running of the cafe with plans for an ice cream and drinks stand at the bowling green.

Mr Griffiths was hoping to run the business until he retired, but will now be gone by the end of the year.

He said: “It is my life. I have spent all my money doing it up. I even had to remortgage.

“I’ve still got commitments and at my age trying to find something else will be difficult.”

Basildon Council put the cafe contract out to tender as it wants one person to run all three outlets.

The council did offer to extend Mr Griffiths’ lease until May, but he felt without working through the summer it would not be worth his while.

There are now concerns the empty cafe could become a target for vandals.

Mr Griffiths added: “It will probably get all the windows smashed and be an eyesore rather than an asset.”

Terry Gandy, Billericay West ward councillor, said: “Given the constant vandalism in the park I would be very surprised if there wasn’t damage there.”

Phil Turner, Basildon councillor responsible for resources, said it valued the contribution Mr Griffiths had made.

He said: “Under our procedural rules that follow best practice, we have to put this contract out to tender to ensure a good competitive process. Our residents rightly demand we achieve good quality services that offer value for money.

“The leases of our facilities are for the benefit of the residents, and ensuring a high standard of service that offers value for money and a reasonable income is our ultimate priority.”