An Ellesmere restaurant owner has had his business ransacked and money stolen from the till just days after saving it from being turned into a fast food outlet.

Manager Charles Roberts arrived at The Boathouse at 9.10am today to find his business had been broken into overnight, equipment smashed and £500 taken from the till.

Mr Roberts had just celebrated victory in his fight to keep the venue as a traditional restaurant and tearooms.

Council officials had earmarked it to be used to sell fast food as part of the Mere development scheme.

It was due to close on Sunday for a major refurbishment.

Scenes of crime officers were at the restaurant this morning and a clean-up was expected to be carried out later in the day.

Despite the damage the Boathouse was still open for business. Mr Roberts described the raid as a vicious attack.

He said: “They’ve smashed the whole place up, smashed the tills and taken cash, and the window frames are lying on the balcony now.

“I’ve never seen a break-in like this before, £500 cash has been stolen from the till.

“The premises were secured last night and then this morning there was glass everywhere.

“It’s disappointing but that’s life; vandalism and burglary are just a part of life, but this was a vicious attack.”

A spokesman for West Mercia Police today confirmed the restaurant was broken into between 7pm yesterday and 9am today, and officers were investigating the incident.

Despite the damage caused in the attack Mr Roberts opened up the Boathouse this morning and said it would open every day until Sunday as planned.

It will then close for major refurbishments to be carried out as part of a £2 million renovation project for the mere area.

As well as restoration work at the 71-year-old Boathouse, there will be improvements to the 19th Century-designed landscape and improved access to the town, which attracts 130,000 visitors a year.

Ellesmere Police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact them on 08457 444888.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By Abigail Bates