A POPULAR seafood restaurant in Mersea has closed for good following claims of “relentless pressure” on social media.

The owners of the Oyster Bar, in Coast Road, West Mersea, shared the news on their Facebook page on Monday.

In the post, Michael Dawson said: “I have made the decision to close the Oyster Bar for good, effective immediately.

“I have experienced relentless pressure on [social media] about my family and the business. The accusations have resulted in this business being lost from the island.”

Mr Dawson added the closure “is not a financial decision” and is one he’s made to “protect [his] family’s welfare from baseless accusations and abuse”.

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The announcement of the permanent closure continued: “My priority is my family and their well-being which will end up destroyed if we carry on with the Oyster Bar.

“We hope that no other local business should ever have to experience the abuse on social media and the accusations that we have had to endure.”

The premises will stay in the family and Mr Dawson said that he will offer it to local charities to use for fundraising events free of charge.

The restaurant owner received backlash after announcing a temporary closure in December due to "technical issues" and slow business over Christmas.

Speaking at the time, an ex-worker said he and his colleagues did not know if they would still have a job when the restaurant reopened in the spring.

Mr Dawson, who started the business more than 17-years-ago, rebuked claims staff were not offered their jobs back in the spring.

Seafood fans should be able to get their oyster fix again soon as the owner of the Oyster Bar, which was previously recognised by the Good Food Guide and consistently received good reviews, has been granted permission by planning officers to serve oysters and pots of seafood from a shed in the existing seating area.

Dozens of shocked customers have responded to the announcement, with one saddened fan calling the Oyster Bar “the best place for seafood in Essex”.

“We hope that we can draw a line under this now and everyone can move on,” said Mr Dawson.