Domino’s “Coming Soon”

A PIZZA chain is moving into the site once occupied by longstanding Westcliff family business.

 Domino’s chain has advertising board plastered across the premises of the former Army and Navy Store in London Road, Westcliff promising a “new store” is “coming soon”.

 The Army and Navy store, owned by Brian Burns, was a mainstay in the town for 73 years selling combat clothes, bomber jackets, chef outfits, brownies uniforms, and much more, before closing its doors for the last time in February last year.

 Famous for the bomb that was kept outside, and the memorable clothing displays in the window, the shop had a fascinating history, with Brian’s grandfather Adolf Burnstein originally opening the business in the East End in 1911, providing military gear and uniforms for the dockers coming off the ships.

 Now, Domino’s is busy moving in to the old shop, launching a recruitment campaign for people to work at the takeaway,

 Plans for the change of use were approved for the takeaway to move into the store back in March this year, with agreement that it is set to operate between 11am and 11pm.

 The majority of the Army and Navy store’s frontage is to be retained, but repainted in a dark grey to match the chain’s branding.

 Two objections were raised over concerns involving access, noise and parking.

 Matt King, chair of the Milton Community Partnership group, whose aim is to promote the heritage of Westcliff, reportedly said: “It’s better to have a shop used than empty.”

 He underlined the importance of independent businesses, which is what Hamlet Court Road is well known for.

 HE added: “I’m not sure we need more takeaways in the area, though, as we have a lot already.

 “We’ve got a great selection of independent retailers and restaurants in Hamlet Court Road and local area, so it is really important to support and encourage these.

 “This is good for the local economy and encourages and supports the wonderful diversity in our area.”

 A resident of nearby Windsor Road, who asked not to be named, commented: “This is so typical, replacing a beautiful old shop full of history and texture with another fast-food chain. It is the story of High Streets across the country. It makes my heart sink.”

 Labour councillor for culture, tourism and business Matt Dent said the main objective is to avoid boarded-up premises.

 He reportedly commented: “I understand that many residents may not want to see Domino’s in there, but the unit is empty and it is good to see something moving in to give it some activity.

“There is nothing more that can be said, businesses leave and a new business is moving into the former store.”

 Ex-owner of the former Army and Navy Store Brian Burns had worked at the store as long as he could remember: “I was serving here when I actually couldn’t see over the counter!”

 The shop has a fascinating history, with Brian’s grandfather Adolf Burnstein originally opening the business in the East End in 1911, providing military gear and uniforms for the dockers coming off the ships.

 Brian explained at the time the former Army and Navy Store closed its doors, how the store came to Westcliff: “Adolf had asthma and the doctor said he should move to the seaside, so the company moved here in 1950.

 “I’ve lived in Westcliff all my life, and since I was 14, I worked in the store with my father Morris.

 “Morry, as he was known, was a real character. People still come in and remember him.”

 Brian has also been married for nearly 40 years to his wife Laura, who is the backbone of his family, comprising their four children as well as grandchildren.

 Brian put the shop’s longevity down to the number of different customers they cater for: “We’ve been so successful because we won’t just carry one particular line, but cater to everything, from cadets to all the catering businesses in the area.”

 Being a mainstay of the local scene for so many years, Brian had also seen many changes come and go: “My father used to order jeans, and once we had loads of flares!

 “They went out of fashion so we had them all made narrow by a seamstress, and then of course the flares came back!”

Brian added: “I’m really going to miss not talking to people as much, because I love meeting people from all walks of life: I’ve met some wonderful people here, and know customers who have been coming here all their lives.”

 Salvo the Clown, a familiar face in Southend was a regular customer, purchasing his distinctive coloured diamond attire in the store.

 There were also a few famous customers, including Victor Meldrew who would pop in when doing a show at the Cliffs: “they asked me on the radio the other day if I’d be as miserable as him when I retire, and I said no!”

Picture: The old Army & Navy store with Domino’s hoarding.

REPORT BY SOPHIE SLEIGH-JOHNSON

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