Council attempt to evict Lightship Café team is delayed but leading councillor says authority will press ahead with action
A COURT has delayed a bid by Thurrock Council to evict the operators of the Grays Beach Lighthouse Café.
The community café is operated as a community interest company (CIC) led by Amita Sharma and Harmesh Singh from Wokingdon Road, Grays.
Administration of the facility, which was put into the hands of local people by Thurrock Council several years ago has been checkered and there have been 20 administrative officers registered at Companies House of which 15 have resigned over the years.
In April this year The London Gazette published notice that the Lightship CIC would be struck of the Companies House register. That action has subsequently been 'temporarily suspended' because of an objection to the striking off.
A record at Companies House of the CIC's affairs show it is not the first time attempts have been made to close it down.
And its accounts for the last financial year are well overdue.
Cllr Lee Watson, Thurrock Council cabinet member of good growth has confirmed the council's intention to take back control of the asset.
In a statement to Thurrock Nub News she said: "As residents know from last year's consultation, we have exciting plans for the Grays Riverside, including a new café with views of the river.
"We are trying to work with the current Lightship Café managers so we can take the building back, which is vital to allow works to get underway.
"We went to court on the 17 June to try to progress this process.
"The District Judge asked for more information to help inform their decision, and so the warrant which was due to be executed on Thursday, 19 June 2025 has been paused.
"We will keep residents updated on progress to deliver our plans for Grays Riverside, which we know local people are keen to see."
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