THIS year marks the tenth anniversary of a massive blaze which destroyed a factory, boat and other buildings at Blackwater Marina.

In May 2009, about 100 firefighters and 18 crews from across Essex helped to tackle the inferno at The Esplande.

The Standard reported that the fire started in a dust extraction unit.

Residents living near the marina in Maylandsea were ordered to keep their doors and windows shut by a police helicopter as toxic smoke billowed from the factory and asbestos roofing and gas cannisters exploded in the heat.

Villagers in Mayland, Steeple, Rodwell and Tillingham were also advised to keep windows shut due to the wind blowing the smoke across into other areas of the Dengie Peninsula.

In 2013, the Standard reported that a revamping project by the Marina was set to clear up the ‘eyesore’ which was left after the damage a few years prior.

The proposal which included 13 residential buildings was refused and its appeal was dismissed.

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