A riverfront bar and restaurant has closed after being was repossessed by the council.

Notices have been placed outside Riva on Town Pier in Gravesend after the council took action yesterday morning.

It comes after a lengthy legal battle with the tenants over unpaid rent.

The notices say they have until next Thursday, October 31 to empty the premises.

Melanie Norris, Gravesham council’s director of communities, said: “I can confirm the Borough Council took possession of the premises on Town Pier, Gravesend, on Thursday morning.

“This action was taken to protect the financial interests of the council and its council taxpayers.

“The repossession order was sought as a last resort following a lengthy but unsuccessful legal process aimed at recovering a substantial amount of money owed to the council by the tenants, Culinary Solutions UK Ltd.

“The business premises have been safely secured and access to the Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry pontoon is open as usual.”

In 2013, the owner of the bar Anastasia Zinkevich admitted defrauding Gravesham council taxpayers of £57,000 but was spared jail.

Ms Zinkevich repaid the money with the help of her parents and she was praised at the time for continuing to work and provide employment for others.

She is still listed as the director of Culinary Solutions.

Nothing has been posted on the bar's website or Facebook page about it closing.

The owners have been approached for a comment.

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