Residents living near a warehouse which was destroyed by fire have said they would strongly oppose any moves to rebuild it.

Many houses in Warrior Square, Southend, back onto the Montine Food Store which was gutted by one of the most powerful blazes seen in the town for years.

Families were evacuated from their homes on the evening of July 26 after fire took hold of the building.

Joyce Osborne, 70, who lives just one yard from the factory wall, said she felt lucky to be alive after the blaze and believes the disaster could occur again if the warehouse was rebuilt on Southchurch Avenue.

She said: "Nobody knew I was here on the night of the fire. When I looked out of the window and saw the flames sweeping across I thought, 'That's it, we're going up'."

She added: "I know it's a man's livelihood we're talking about but couldn't it be relocated on a business estate? I just don't feel safe living here any more."

Neighbour Henry Goddard said: "It's crazy allowing so many dangerous substances to be stored near houses. If the wind had been blowing in a different direction we would have been burned to the ground."

Mike Pregnall, assistant director of technical services at Southend Council, said the council may have no say in the matter.

He said: "Montine's isn't strictly in a residential area but there are houses nearby. If the building is repaired no planning permission is needed but if it's knocked down councillors will ultimately decide whether it will be rebuilt, and residents' concerns will be taken into account."

Store owner Philip Walters said: "The insurance company is now dealing with the matter. However, I would point out that the main cause of the fire was a gas cylinder in the fridge - which any fridge in a house would also have. This could have happened anywhere."

By Chris Weeks

Reporter's e-mail: chris.weeks@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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