WORRIED residents whose homes back on to the site of a major fire have been told not to clear up pieces of potentially dangerous asbestos which fell into their gardens.

Firefighters were called to the scene of a suspected arson attack on the derelict MirrorFlex factory on Key Road, Clacton.

Gardens backing on to the site have been left strewn with large chunks of asbestos which fell from the burning building.

Residents say they have been unable to use their gardens since the blaze.

Gazette: Picture: Carl St George

A Key Road home owner, who asked not to be named, said they were advised to shut their windows and to not come into contact with the substance.

She said: “It’s not safe and we don’t know how long we’re going to have to wait until it’s cleared up.”

A spokesman for Tendring Council confirmed it was alerted about the fire last Wednesday and the Health and Safety Executive and Public Health England have been informed.

He said: “The council investigated reports roofing material, possibly asbestos-based, had spread from the fire site into neighbouring gardens on Key Road, Herbert Road and Old Road.

“A specialist contractor was engaged by the council to visit the site and take samples of the material.

“Test results confirm asbestos cement material has spread on to neighbouring property.

“Council officers have been in touch with the owner of the site to advise it is the owner’s responsibility to arrange for the safe clean-up of the surrounding area.”

She said council officers will be visiting residents in the affected areas today to give advice.

The material is said to be of low risk to health but residents are being urged not to handle the material or attempt clean up themselves and to await a specialist clean-up which will be arranged by the site’s owner.