Damian Williams, Tendring District Council Corporate Director for Operations and Delivery, said: “Our thoughts are very much with everyone impacted by the fire in Clacton town centre on Monday. We know this has been a distressing time for those affected, and Tendring District Council continues to do all it can to support the 13 residents currently staying in temporary accommodation.

“We’re working closely with our partners to make the site safe and to ensure the wellbeing of those displaced remains at the heart of our response.

“Scaffolding has now been put up at the site and structural engineers have advised that part of a wall will need to be carefully demolished to make the area secure. Protective fencing has been installed up to the edge of the road, and West Avenue has now reopened to traffic.

“To allow further safety works to take place, a lane closure may be needed in the coming days. We’ll share updates as soon as we have more information.

“In the meantime, those in temporary accommodation may need to stay another night. Our housing team is in regular contact with these residents and will continue to offer support and keep them informed every step of the way.

“We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a part in the response — including Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police, our dedicated council staff, the nearby Premier Inn, which generously opened its doors to help in the early stages of the incident, and Tendring Community Transport. Your support has made a real difference.”

Update, 3.45pm: The lane closure on West Avenue is now in place. It is expected to remain in place until at least Wednesday afternoon, 20 August.