A MAJOR fire in South Ockendon on the night of Thursday/Friday (16/17 May) forced eight families out of their homes.
They managed to find overnight accommodation in the Knight of Aveley public house.
Working with members of the British Red Cross and the Knight of Aveley, volunteers from Thurrock Council assisted the 25 people young and old who could not find alternative accommodation.
Staff supplied welfare support and some goods for them as well as offering help to residents in the wider community that night and the following day – assisting a doctor’s surgery log a call to get help get their electricity supply back up and running, for example.
Ward councillors Wendy and Charlie Curtis visited the scene on Friday morning and said they wanted to pass on their thanks to everyone who helped.
Cllr Wendy Curtis said: “It was great of the pub to open its doors and supply drinks and food where necessary, council volunteers provided bedding and supplies for the babies while the British Red Cross supplied hygiene kits. It was a magnificent team effort in difficult circumstances.
“I’m just thankful nobody was seriously injured.”
The blaze was at the former Dilkeswood Centre building in Daiglen Drive and it was severely damaged in the blaze.
