HOSPITALITY businesses in Southend “will go bust” by the time they can re-open unless more support is granted by the Government, say bosses.

The co-owner of the Gleneagles Guesthouse revealed how their doors will close by May if further support grants aren’t introduced.

Garry Lowen, from the guesthouse, on Clifftown Parade, has called on Southend’s MPs to press the Government on offering more support to businesses.

Mr Lowen’s guesthouse won’t be able to open until May 17 at the earliest as part of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Garry, who has been battling Covid in recent weeks, said: “We’re as confused as anybody with the plan.

“Self-catered accommodation can open from the middle of April, but that’s no different to us. So why can’t we open?

“It just feels like another kick in the teeth for the tourism industry.

“We need more support if we’re going to open in May. 

“We had a solitary grant of £6,000 in January, and we are getting £2,000 a month. But that is nowhere near enough.

“Our tearooms have been open but they don’t support the guesthouse.”

In the summer, Mr Lowen told the Echo how his business would be able to survive the pandemic thanks to a “war chest” of finances.

But money is now running out at the popular venue.

Sir David Amess has revealed how he has written to the Chancellor urging for more support for the hospitality industry.

This comes as Joan Tiney, the owner of the Borough Hotel on Marine Parade, is unsure whether she will open her pub garden on April 12.

She said: “What happens if the heavens open? Weather in April is hardly reliable.

“We get heavy rain in August let alone in the spring. A lot of pubs don’t have a garden at all, and they will need support.

“What happens if somebody needs the loo?

“Our capacity is 40 outside, but social distancing it won’t be at full capacity. 

“It is more like 24.

“We’re luckier than a lot of people. Our landlord has reduced our rent and it’s nowhere near what it is usually.

“We had a grant of £25,000 back in March, and another £6,000 late last year. We will never say no to more support, but we’re not relying on it quite yet.

“The pub is under renovation at the moment with a new ceiling and furniture being put in place, and we don’t know when that will be finished.”

The pub hasn’t decided when the venue will re-open, with the April date “under discussion.”