FIREFIGHTERS tackled an early morning blaze in Stanford-le-Hope that has caused extensive damage to the rear of the Railway Tavern pub.

The incident happened this morning (Wednesday, 1 April) with the alarm raised at 2.40.

While the blaze was fought, the adjacent Church Hill was closed but more by luck than any other judgement the incident did not clash with a pre-planned closure to allow HGVs from DP World to pass through the town centre.

As reported on Thurrock Nub News last night, the planned closure came to a premature halt, due to early conclusion of works on the Manorway. Had the two incidents run concurrently, exit traffic from the DP World London Gateway port and logistics park would have effectively been halted.

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue says: "Firefighters were called to a fire in Church Hill, Stanford-Le-Hope at 2:40am. 

"On arrival, two crews reported a fire on decking had spread into a building. 

"A further crew and an Aerial Ladder Platform from Grays were requested to help.

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"Crews used the Aerial Ladder Platform to tackle the fire in the roof of the building while crews on the ground worked to stop the fire spreading to the adjacent pub. 

"An investigation will be carried out later today to determine the cause of the fire."

The former Ginos restaurant.

The Railway Tavern recently reopened under new management after a brief closure, but Ginos Restaurant remained closed.

The heart and seat of the fire was at the back of the building, which is also an area where there is rented accommodation upstairs and a covered outdoor open space as part of the beer garden.