Residents are fuming after gas cylinders exploded on an eyesore site

The blast caused a major blaze and a danger to people living in the area.

Eric Dowley, of Beach Way, Jaywick, said they have put in their third petition over the property in the road which has been left run down for well over a year.

And they are threatening to take legal action against Tendring Council unless urgent work is carried out.

"This situation could and should have been averted," he said.

"This explosion and fire could be seen and heard from two miles away. Fortunately, due to the efficiency and promptness of the fire crews, they managed to tackle the blaze before more serious damage was caused."

Mr Dowley said he had written to Harwich MP Ivan Henderson about the situation and residents would not let it rest.

Mike Page, public relations manager for Tendring Council, said it was fully aware of the situation and was taking moves to resolve it.

"We have served a notice to clear the site and that expires today," he said.

"If we hear nothing back we will tackle the job ourselves and look to reclaim the money at a later date."

Published Friday, April 11, 2003

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