Eleanor Laing MP has vowed to intervene over a popular tea hut which is set to be taken out of the hands of the family which has run it for more than 80 years. 

This week, the owners of the business in Hill Wood, High Beech, were told that despite running the booming business for 84 years, the City of London Corporation will put their lease out to tender in December.

Bradley Melton, 33, said that his family is in a state of shock and customers have been outraged by the decision.

A petition has gathered more than a thousand signatures and a dedicated Facebook page has more than 6,000 likes.

Yesterday, the House of Commons Deputy Speaker described the tea hut as an ‘important local business’.

On Twitter she vowed to speak with officials and thanked residents of the district for bringing the campaign to her attention.

The City of London Corporation said due to budget reductions of 12.5 per cent in Epping Forest, it needs to ensure “value for money” on its licensed outlets.

A spokesperson said: “The trustees have decided to ensure that they are achieving the best possible level of service and return for this facility through public advertisement.