Residents who need urgent help with emergency accommodation following a blaze which gutted five homes in West Street, Harwich should contact the Council.

Council housing officers have so far dealt with two calls and put one couple - who are TDC tenants - in temporary accommodation in the town.

The aim is to set them up with permanent housing within the next week.

Another private resident called TDC and was given an offer of accommodation but decided to organise to stay with relatives.

Anyone else who needs help should contact the Council's 24-hour Careline number 01255 222022 and a housing advisor will get back to them.

Paul Honeywood, TDC's Cabinet Member for Housing, said that officers are available to help out.

"We will be doing whatever we can to assist those who have been affected by the fire and those who are in need of emergency accommodation should call us," he said.

"The Salvation Army has set up a reception centre at the end of West Street and we are liaising with them."

The Council understands that 80 properties are currently without electricity but staff are working on site and hope to restore power by 10pm.

Veolia staff are also on the scene and if anyone has an issue with their supply, such as no water or a contaminated supply, they are advised to call the 24-hour emergency line on 0845 1489299.

Cllr Honeywood confirmed that the Council had a contractor working at a property in West Street today.

"It is far too early to speculate on the cause of the fire and we are waiting for the outcome of the Fire Service investigation," he added.

7/12/11