A CELEBRITY chef said it was a 'sad day' for his Lyme Regis restaurant after work to remove a controversial decking area started this week.

A long-running debate over Mark Hix's outdoor seating area at the Oyster and Fish House in Lister Gardens has rumbled on for months.

The Saturday Kitchen star was allowed to construct the decking to help his business with pandemic rules on eating outside, but was ordered to take it down by Friday, March 31.

Mr Hix said the area was crucial for his income as he battled with the council over retaining the temporary space, but Lyme Regis Town Council (LRTC) felt it was inappropriate development on its land.

At an extraordinary meeting on January 25, councillors narrowly voted seven to four to back the decking’s removal and despite a further meeting and a petition set up by the restaurant, the local authority has not budged from its position. 

The 40ft by 26ft space outside Mr Hix's Oyster and Fish House, which cost £20,000, enjoys stunning views of Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

Mr Hix took to social media this week to voice his frustration at having to remove the decking, having previously threatened to 'take the wood from the terrace and set fire to it outside the town hall'.

The chef posted pictures of the removed decking on Instagram and Facebook at his luxury seafood restaurant, claiming it was a 'sad day' for his seafood business in the west Dorset seaside town.

"It’s a sad day. Thank you Lyme Regis Town councillors for your total lack of support," Mr Hix said. "Our deck will be gone by Friday as requested.

"We fought the battle to the very end, but sadly lost. We shall soldier on regardless.

"Huge thanks to all the people who have got behind us in so many ways to try to keep our deck. It will be a very different spring and summer this year, but what can you do?"

Opposers to the decking's removal felt that the patch of grass underneath was rarely used before in Lister Gardens.

Mr Hix added he has 'played nice and bit my tongue on so many occasions' throughout the row.

LRTC clerk John Wright said: “The council requested the temporary decking at the Oyster and Fish House be removed by March 31. 2023.

"The business has complied with this request and is removing the structure.”

Mr Wright said in an earlier statement: “The town council has considered a request from the Oyster and Fish House to make the outside seating area permanent and has decided not to agree to this because the public gardens should be kept free of commercial development for the enjoyment of local residents and visitors.

"The initial request was only agreed by the town council as a temporary Covid-related business support measure.”