MYSTERY continues to surround reasons why a major part of intu Lakeside's new leisure development shut its doors before Christmas and remains closed.

The Hall, was significant part of Lakside's £72 million development and was the first part of it to open in July.

However, its doors to a variety of street food outlets were closed last week with brief notices posted on them saying "closed until further notice".

Today (Thursday, 2 January) an intu Lakeside spokesperson told Thurrock Nub News: "Due to unforeseen circumstances Market Hall is currently closed until further noticed at intu Lakeside.

"We don't have any more information to share at the moment but we'll share any updates when we can."