THE owner of a "quaint" Essex cafe fears they could shut down after losing £8,000 in takings, after a gate was put blocking a public walkway.

Businesses and residents are angry and worried after the walk through, from the High Street East Car Park, Maldon to Quest Place, in the town, was shut off in January.

It's even meant a beauty salon has relocated after the "awful" impact, one business boss has said. Hayley Murrell, owner of The Vintage Tea Rooms, Quest Place, Maldon, described the situation as "madness."

She said: "I have lost about £8,000 in trade. We used to get passing trade but now you have to walk around the block and via the High Street. My client base is older people who can't walk that far. It shouldn't be there as it's a public right of way. If it was open during trading hours, customers could still get through."

She fears she could close down and said there should be "decency" shown to the businesses. She also criticised Maldon District Council, and said it "really isn't doing enough."

The business has been there about 10 years and holds themed afternoon tea events, such as Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland events.

Earlier this year images were shared showing the gate, with a sign on it saying 'private land. No public right of way.' Then days later images showed a trellis on top of the gate. In March, the local council said it had received a report of a potential breach of planning conditions, and that it was under investigation.

Lisa Sanders, owner of LA Nails, has relocated after seeing a huge drop in trade.

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She said the situation with the gate is "selfish."

The beautician added: "I've had to move because it's been devastating for us, we had no clients walking past, it's been so bad. I have moved to the top of the High Street, and we're so much busier, it's unbelievable. It's like a completely different town. Where I used to be was quieter but since the gate went up it's awful." She also called it a "major issue."

A spokesman for Maldon Council said: "This is an ongoing investigation and we are currently in discussions to find a pragmatic solution to the issue that would work for all parties."