Residents concerned for health following fire at food warehouse
The blaze, which broke out late on 15 August, caused extensive damage to the wholesale food warehouse
Southend-on-Sea City Council says it is continuing to monitor the situation at the Metrow Foods warehouse in Sutton Road, following a serious fire in August that has led to ongoing environmental and public health concerns.
The Council confirmed that it is investigating whether Metrow Foods has breached an Abatement Notice issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and will take enforcement action if necessary.
Environmental Health Practitioners have continued to visit the site, and the Council remains in dialogue with the company and its legal representatives. Metrow Foods has acknowledged delays in completing the required works, citing the complexity of the clean-up and asbestos contamination.
Cllr Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said the Council had “given the company a reasonable amount of time” to deal with the nuisance but that period had now passed.
“We are in ongoing discussions with the company and are considering the Council’s legal position and what further action can be taken to ensure this issue is resolved,” said Cllr Terry.
“We remain committed to holding the company causing the nuisance to account and to minimising the unpleasant situation that residents are experiencing.”
Council Leader Cllr Daniel Cowan also reassured residents that every possible legal measure is being used to protect public health.
“This is a deeply concerning situation for residents, and I want to reassure our community that the Council is doing everything within its legal powers to resolve it,” said Cllr Cowan.
“We will continue to act firmly and transparently to protect public health and ensure accountability.”
The blaze, which broke out late on 15 August 2025, caused extensive damage to the wholesale food warehouse. Firefighters had to cut through parts of the external structure, disturbing asbestos insulation and cutting power to the site.
The loss of power led to the decomposition of large amounts of food, producing strong odours that prompted dozens of complaints from nearby residents. The Council received its first complaint on 27 August.
Subsequent site visits by environmental health officers confirmed that while the warehouse was no longer operating as a food business, asbestos risks had been contained and air quality was being regularly monitored. Lab reports confirmed no evidence of asbestos fibre emissions.
Following weeks of inspection and testing, the Council determined that the threshold for Statutory Nuisance had been met and issued an Abatement Notice on 19 September 2025, requiring Metrow Foods to take action to eliminate the odour and related health risks.
The company has since said it could not fully meet the notice’s deadline due to the complex nature of the site. The Council is now reviewing whether the firm’s actions constitute a breach of the order.
While Metrow Foods employs more than 100 people and supplies many local restaurants, the Council said public health and residents’ wellbeing remain its top priority.
“All actions taken to date have followed national guidance and statutory requirements,” a Council spokesperson said. “We continue to assess the situation carefully to ensure the right steps are taken.”
Environmental Health officers remain in contact with residents who have lodged complaints, and further updates are expected in the coming weeks as the Council decides whether to escalate enforcement.
The Health and Safety Executive continues to be involved in the investigation.