An investigation was launched today after firebugs were believed to have started a blaze at the community centre where the Long Road mental unit public meeting was due to start.

The fire was spotted at about 6.30pm as the Paddocks in Long Road, Canvey, was being prepared for the controversial meeting.

Smoke was spotted coming from the ceiling at the rear of the building.

Firefighters quickly evacuated the premises and more than 100 people were forced to wait outside in windy conditions.

Sub officer Martin Pullen, based at Canvey fire station, said: "We believe the fire started outside and that somebody lit an empty milk crate on top of the building.

"Because the fire was in the open roof space it was difficult to get to and it spread quickly."

Two crews from Canvey were needed. Two firemen, wearing breathing apparatus, went inside first to tackle the blaze. Although the all-clear was given about 45 minutes later, a team of firefighters remained to ensure it had not taken hold anywhere else.

Mr Pullen added: "We let people back inside as soon as we could, but not in the section where the fire caused most damage. We had to make sure it was fully extinguished."

Damage was caused to the ceiling as attempts were made to get at the fire. There was also heavy smoke-logging which spread into the main hall.

The meeting was finally able to begin at 7.15pm, a quarter of an hour late, although a thick pall of smoke hung in the air as the debate started.

Rooftop blaze - firefighters bring the fire under control

Pictures: ROBIN WOOSEY

The fight goes on

Protestors today vowed to continue their fight against a planned nursing home for mental Health patients after a heated public meeting.

More than 150 residents voiced their concern about the proposed 12-bedroom facility last night but face a struggle to defeat the scheme as it complies with planning laws.

The development is planned for a site just yards from where the meeting took place at the Paddocks in Long Road, Canvey.

The island already has four nursing homes which include patients from Runwell Hospital - the dozen residents for the new home will come from the hospital.

Moat Housing Group, which is behind this project, has lodged an application with Castle Point Council. It will make a presentation to town planners next week.

Representatives from the housing group were present along with officials from Runwell Hospital, members of the Community Health Council, care workers and doctors.

It was soon evident that presentations planned by the panel were not wanted by the angry audience, who instead demanded explanations.

Many expressed particular concern for their children's safety while most questioned why the home had to be built on this particular site in Long Road.

Moat tried to reassure residents but were continually shouted down, as were experts brought in to explain the patients' mental health problems, including schizophrenia.

Lynn Pullinger, who will be one of the closest neighbours and is leading the protests, urged all present to keep the pressure on councillors.

Moat told those gathered that the plan was likely to go-ahead - and all sides seemed to be left dissatisfied by the meeting.

Howard Goble, deputy chief executive of MCCH - which will provide care for the home - said: "We are now well aware of the depth of feeling that residents have on Canvey.

"I was disappointed that we were not able to say how we would run the home if the planning application was successful and explain the safeguards."

The feeling after the mental home meeting was that neither home developer Moat Housing Group, nor those in the audience had benefited from the exchanges.

Problems with the sound system made it difficult for people to be heard and speakers were frequently interrupted from the floor, as they tried to ease fears.

Some in the audience described the meeting as a farce and complained that the decision had already been made.

Cy Powell, Moat's project manager, agreed it was likely to go ahead, but stressed Moat was willing to talk to people and provide reassurances and information.

He said: "Subject to planning approval, the scheme is very likely to go ahead. It meets all the criteria."

Some protesters have said they will attend next week's Castle Point Council planning committee meeting - although they will not be allowed to speak.

Many felt they had heard no satisfactory answers at the meeting.

Mum Jay Brissett said: "I am concerned about the children. Are they going to be safe? We already have enough homes on the island. Where's it all going to stop?"

William Glover, who spoke a number of times at the meeting, queried claims that only elderly patients were likely to be housed there and asked why Canvey had been chosen again.

One man, who did not want to be named, urged residents to lobby councillors He said: "We can't just walk away from here tonight. We need to get on the phone to councillors or this will all count for nothing."

Resident Reg Loan, was worried schizophrenics might pose a threat to families.

Meeting chairman Beryl Furr, had difficulty trying to keep order among the scores of people who wanted to talk at the same time, but managed to get a wide number of residents to speak.

Some constantly heckled the panel - "they're making me ashamed to be from Canvey" was one comment.

Some wanted to know more about who owned the land and why it was being sold.

Yet when those on the panel tried to give answers, they were often unable to be heard.

Ray Wallace, a psychiatric nurse on hand to talk about the patients' illnesses, was told to sit down by residents who did not want to hear what he had to say.

Protest - neighbours turned up in force to show their disapproval of the plan

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.