Southend's famous arches cafes are to be hit by a 40 per cent rent rise which could force some to close, it was feared today.

A review by a leading property firm has led Southend Council to increase rents by 39 per cent, backdated for three years.

Paul Taylor, from the long-established family-run cafe, Dinos, said the move had come as a "bombshell".

Published Tuesday August 13, 2002

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