Smart Dry Cleaners Stanway fire leaves customers frustrated

Firefighters were called to Smart Dry Cleaning and Launderette after a blaze ripped through its premises earlier this month.

Pictures published by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service showed significant damage to the building’s ground floor.

Speaking to the Gazette, one concerned customer said: “I had an item of clothing in the dry cleaners and I haven’t been able to find out what happens next. They’re not willing to talk to me.

“Almost two weeks have passed and I won’t be the only one who has lost potentially precious clothes but I can’t seem to get any answers.”

Damage - the aftermath of the fire (Image: Essex Fire and Rescue Service)

Others have taken to social media to share their concerns, with one customer writing: “My wedding dress was in the fire. They haven’t responded to me yet.”

Another added they’d left a suit there to be cleaned ahead of going to a wedding and they have been left wondering when they will receive the money to fund a replacement.

Fire crews from Colchester and Grays fire stations were called to the dry cleaning business, in Blackberry Road, Stanway, Colchester, at 10.49pm on Tuesday, August 15.

Scene - Smart Dry Cleaning and Launderette, in Blackberry Road, Stanway (Image: Google)

An investigation by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service ruled the fire was accidental, due to the internal gas meter igniting.

A spokesman for the fire service said: “Fire crews managed to extinguish the fire very quickly and stop it spreading to the adjoined businesses and flats in the terrace.

“The building and contents of the dry cleaners has suffered significant damage, and the flat above was slightly affected by the smoke.”

An online crowdfunding page set up after the fire has raised more than £1,600 to support the owner of the business.

The Gazette approached Smart Dry Cleaning for a response, but the firm had not responded at the time of going to press.