An abandoned car which was set on fire caused damage to a nearby house.

Flames and heat from the blaze melted guttering, fascias and drainpipes at the house in Branston Road, Clacton

Marina Ling, who lives at the property with husband Steve and two teenage children, said the Ford Sierra car had been left in the road on September 30 and she had reported it to the council.

Last Wednesday, she said, a 24-hour notice was put on the vehicle but early on Saturday evening the car was set alight.

Mrs Ling said: "We were going out and my husband came down the stairs saying the abandoned car was on fire.

"I phoned the fire brigade. I was terrified. It is just so dangerous and I am worried someone is going to get hurt."

She said her husband had to go out to move their own car away from the flames.

The car was evenually moved away two days after the fire.

Mike Page, spokesman for Tendring Council, said the council did not have the authority to deal with any vehicle until it is satisfied it was abandoned.

He said the council had to make enquiries to find the registered owner and then give them the opportunity to move it.

Then a 24-hour notice is placed on the vehicle and it is taken away.

Published Thursday October 24, 2002

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