Lorry firm hit by fire

Denton Transport's depot was damaged after a blaze broke out in a workshop.

Eight fire crews were called to the depot in Albion Parade, Gravesend, after the blaze was spotted by a Port of London Authority patrol launch.

Firefighters put on chemical suits to tackle the hour-long blaze after it was discovered the burning building contained asbestos.

The single-storey building's roof collapsed during the fire, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in the workshop at 6.59am on August 20.

Denton Transport owner John Caplin says he is angry at the damage.

He said: "At least £30,000 worth of damage has been caused to the building and I am angry it has happened.

"We have lost all the equipment inside the workshop.

"I have been told it is all down to an electrical fault but you can't see anything. It is completely burnt out."

Mr Caplin says he does not know how long the building will be out of action.

He said: "We are moving everything out of the building and I am in the process of speaking to the landlord and insurance company."

Ravenstock Mobile Storage Group Ltd is situated opposite the burnt-out depot and staff there are worried about the possibility of asbestos contamination.

Sales administrator Paula Redman, 37, said: "The building has been left in ruins. It is burnt and charred. I really can't see it being used for a while. We are quite scared about the asbestos spores getting into the air.

"We have staff going in and out of the building and working in the yard and because we are so close it is a worry."

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The type of asbestos at the premises is common and the incident is not thought to be a danger to the public."

Campaign to Protect Rural England Gravesham co-ordinator Dave Brown said: "Local authorities should remove asbestos as a matter of course.

"I know if I was living around the area I wouldn't be happy if any type of asbestos was released into the air."