A DERELICT building destroyed by a blaze had become “a magnet for drug users”, according to residents who claim people have been able to access the building through an open back door.

The building – including the former Bits N Bobs store and an attached house – went up in flames on Monday night in Southchurch Avenue, at the junction with Ambleside Drive.

Neighbouring residents have admitted the building was an “accident waiting to happen” and claimed that “people doing things they shouldn’t be doing” have been spotted in the building.

It has stood empty for the last five years with numerous planning applications – including proposals to turn it into flats – being rejected by Southend Council.

One resident, who asked not to named, told the Echo: “On the basis of knowing the area, knowing that drug abusers do use these streets, it would be a good assumption that they use it for personal use or even to facilitate a business.

“I have always known it to have been derelict for a while, but I have walked past their numerous times and the back door has been open. It is like an accident waiting to happen.

“People who probably shouldn’t be in there have been using it and doing things they shouldn’t be doing there.

“So, I am not surprised to be honest.”

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for the Kursaal ward admitted the property had been a “local issue for some years”.

The resident was also quick to praise firefighters who brought the situation under control and stopped it spreading to neighbouring buildings.

He added: “I was in my back garden at the time and wondered what the smell was.

“I looked out and saw all the smoke going up and down the street.

“Literally within minutes the emergency services turned up. It was all taped off and they then took control of it fairly quickly.”