More than 60 people are interested in turning a Southend seafront shelter into a new cafe or restaurant.

Sorrell, the estate and property agent which is marketing it, said between 60 and 70 people had inquired about the Bryant Avenue shelter on Eastern Esplanade, which is currently being used as a public shelter and toilets.

The council could not afford to develop it which is why it is inviting people to run it as a small scale caf/ coffeeshop for a long lease.

Sorrell said the response had been overwhelming.

Sorrell commercial manager Tony Plummer said: "We thought it would be very popular and it has proved to be very popular. It is just one of these sites. There is an awful lot of interest.

"We are giving them until the end of the month to apply and then we will go through the offers. We will take them to the council and prioritise them."

Among the ideas submitted were those for a restaurant and a shop.