Council bosses have spoken of their disappointment after the Whitstable Harbour Village owner announced he is to close the site – while discussions about its future were being held.

Village manager Stuart Heaver revealed on Friday that he is to permanently close the business this Wednesday when its lease expires.

But his announcement angered council officials who were meeting with traders at the village when Mr Heaver revealed he is to shut it down.

Canterbury City Council’s assistant director of direct services Larissa Reed said: “We were very disappointed to read Mr Heaver’s announcement on Friday afternoon which he released at the same time as we were in a meeting with the harbour village traders discussing the future – a meeting to which Mr Heaver was invited and did not attend.

“The meeting with the traders was very useful and positive and while they are understandably concerned about the future, they do accept the work to the south quay is essential and the village cannot trade during this time.

“Mr Heaver’s announcement came while we were still in negotiations with him over a licence to store the huts at the harbour, so this was also disappointing.”

Traders at the site, on the South Quay, need to clear the area before October for essential repairs to the quay walls.

But the works coincide with the end of the lease of the Harbour Village space – and the harbour board is taking the opportunity to look at the future use of the retail area on the quay.

“With Mr Heaver’s lease on the village ending and the south quay work now urgently required, it is the right time for the harbour board to review what’s on offer on the quay to make sure it is still what the harbour and town needs..." - Larissa Reed

Mr Heaver said the city council had failed to clarify where they would stand once the work is completed.

Mrs Reed added: “We have been trying to have meetings with Mr Heaver for some time to discuss the future of the village, but it was only recently that he agreed to meet.

“The situation with the future of the village has remained unchanged for some time.“After that meeting, we worked hard and quickly to find a location for the huts and were confident the licence issue would be resolved.

“With Mr Heaver’s lease on the village ending and the south quay work now urgently required, it is the right time for the harbour board to review what’s on offer on the quay to make sure it is still what the harbour and town needs.

“This is simply responsible management and it would be more concerning if the board did not do this.

“The board will meet on Friday, October 2 to discuss the way forward for the village. We know there is a lot of interest in this in the town and look forward to letting local people know the outcome.”

Mr Heaver, who runs the village with his Kentish Trader business, is now selling the huts through an estate agents in the town.