New plans after village store and post office gutted by fire in Rowhedge

The East of England Co-Op, in Regent Street, Rowhedge, could be closed for weeks after fire and smoke ripped through the store on Boxing Day.

The store was forced to close after a suspected electrical fault in the cigarette stand sparked into flames with smoke flooding the building.

The shop also houses the village Post Office which may also be out of action for several weeks.

The fire took place at about 10am.

A spokesman for the Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We sent two fire engines from Colchester to deal with a fire in the cigarette store which was put out at 10.31am.”

A fault with the electrical supply has been blamed.

A spokesman for the Co-Op said: “Our food store is currently closed.

“The store has been severely damaged and will remain closed while the cause of the fire is investigated and repairs are made.

“We are currently in discussions with the village parish council about how we can continue to support the residents of Rowhedge while we carry out repair works on the store.”

A spokesman for the Post Office said: “Rowhedge Post Office is temporarily closed due to the fire.

“The extent of the damage is still being assessed and it is not yet known when the Post Office can reopen.

“Both Post Office Ltd and the East of England Co-op are working hard to restore service as soon as possible.”

Ward member Mike Lilley said the temporary loss of both was an inconvenience for many.

He said: “They need to sort out the smoke damage and put the wiring right.

“The Co-Op is looking at the possibility of a portable lorry store in the parish council car park.

“We need the Co-Op and Post Office back as quickly as possible.”

One resident, who relies on both, said the problem has been made worse because of the temporary closure of the Old Heath facility.

The nearest Post Office branches are in Blackheath or there is a weekday morning service from 10am to 1pm, at the Methodist Chapel in Fingringhoe.