The owner of Grape and Grain pop-up bar, in Promenade Park, Maldon, has told Nub News she feels bullied by Maldon District Council, and is preparing to take legal action.

Eleanor Taylor says the bar, which opened in the summer of 2020, proved a huge success. It supported local businesses which were struggling due to the ongoing pandemic and provided a safe outdoor space for the public in which to relax.

However, Ms Taylor claims that Maldon District Council has since 'reneged' on its contractual arrangements, causing significant difficulties which have adversely affected her business. She says the process has not been fair or transparent.

She said: "I believe our town is at risk with a council which has demonstrated that it doesn't really support local or female business, and is mismanaging the jewel in Maldon's crown, Promenade Park."

Maldon District Council allegedly wrote to Ms Taylor on Christmas Eve, in response to her setting up this year's Grape and Grain bar, informing her they believed the business she set up during the pandemic belonged to them.

Ms Taylor continued: "I had wondered why previous great events in the park had left and taken their businesses elsewhere.

"Now I understand why.

"I hope that Maldon District Council chooses to do the right thing for myself and our community, but that remains to be seen."

Ms Taylor also claimed they informed her that the Maldon Oyster and Seafood Festival will not go ahead this year, as it hadn't made the priority list of events because the Council was 'cutting back' on the number of festivals being held in the park.

The Maldon Oyster and Seafood Festival was initially met with a mixed reception at its inaugural event in 2019 on social media but returned in 2020, and Ms Taylor had hoped to hold it again this year.

A Council spokesperson said: "Maldon District Council denies the allegations made by Ms Taylor but can't comment any further due to ongoing legal matters."