Ghostly goings on in a former Southend office have been put on hold after its owners fell foul of council red tape.

Two men behind Room Escape, in West Street, have been told they need to apply for a change of use for offices they use for the popular leisure outlet where people use their wits to avoid a spooky fate.

The novel business has already been operating for three years but Wayne Bernard and Floyd Saun-Leas say they only recently became aware they had to apply for change of use for the building they rent.

The business closed three weeks ago while awaiting consent, which can take up to eight weeks to be confirmed.

Mr Bernard said: “We got a message from the council telling us we needed to apply for D2 so we shut down while the application is considered.

“When we took it, we asked the letting agent but they didn’t make it clear.

“To be fair, we should have done our research but they said it would be okay.

“We spoke to the council and they said we could do pop-up events in the meantime just to keep the business ticking over.”

The Room Escape website is advertising The Cellar, a game for up to 12 people.

It states: “The Vampires are in town and have made base in an abandoned chapel.

“You have an hour to solve the clues and send the vampires back to hell.

“Do you have the skills to remain alive and save humanity? Please note this room contains a lot of darkness.”

Mr Bernard added: ““We’ve had to refund some bookings but people have been very understanding.

“The council has said it shouldn’t be an issue. We’ve done really well in the last three years. This is a hurdle but we’ll get over it.”

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for growth, said: “The council does not have powers to order residents or businesses to apply for planning permission. However, our planning officers will always offer professional advice and guidance for those who need it including people or businesses who need to put right what they have not done correctly. The officers advised this business to seek planning permission for a change of use and that application will now be considered and a decision made at a future date.”