TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Canvey businessman.

Nigel Henstock, 57, owner of Nigel’s Fish Bar, on Canvey, has died after a battle with cancer.

Flowers and cards have been left outside the takeaway, in Seaview Road.

Residents, fellow traders and councillors have paid touching tributes to a popular man.

Lynn Sansom, owner of Violets florist, in Point Road, Canvey said: “I knew him from being in the shop.

“He really was a lovely, kind and thoughtful man.

“I used to see him everyday as our shops are so close.

“We used to stop and have a chat and I used to buy his chips.

“He was very popular, it is sad that he has passed away.”

Peter Greig, a Canvey Independent councillor said he tried to order food last weekend but was told the business has shut.

Mr Greig said: “I knew him fairly well.

“We used to stand and have a chat. I am absolutely shocked and upset to hear this.

“I was told he had fallen unwell and I thought he had got a cold or the flu or something.

“He had obviously lived on the island for many years.

“He was very popular and I used to see him around the island and we would have a nice chat.

“He was a very nice man.”

Customers and residents have also offered kind words in memory of Mr Hancock.

Heather Marhews, of Atherstone Road, Canvey, said the popular businessman always enjoyed laughing and chatting with his customers.

She added: “Nigel was a legend in his own right.

“A lovely man who went that extra step to ensure customer satisfaction.

“His name, to us, will always be synonymous with the best fish n chip meals, ever.

“He will be sadly missed by all that knew of him.

“We send love and condolences to his family.”

Mr Henstock’s family said they were unable to comment at this time.

He had been due to stand trial after being charged with causing death by driving carelessly.

The crash happened in Long Road, Canvey, on December 11 2017.