Billericay charity coordinator thanks community after fire

The project coordinator of a charity whose premises were hit by fire has thanked the local community for its support.

The storage area of Baby Basics Billericay, Essex, and its supplies were damaged in the fire on 4 April.

Jane Robb, 58, said she wanted to speak to whoever started the fire and for them "to learn from this".

Thousands of pounds' worth of replacement stock has since been ordered through community aid.

Baby Basics Billericay is part of a national charity that provides new mums with a Moses basket filled with items they will need in the first three months of their child's life.

Mums, including refugees and asylum seekers, are referred to the charity by social workers,

Following the fire at the back of the Billericay Community Hub, the storage area of Baby Basics and the Revival Church were damaged.

"When I saw the devastation it was probably the first time that my emotions overwhelmed me and it wasn't so much the damage, it was the lives those things were meant to improve and that was the thing I found so upsetting," said Mrs Robb.

'Incredibly supportive'

Storage containers melted in the heat, destroying baby clothing and accessories and discolouring carpets, ceilings, and walls.

Since the fire, the community has rallied round to help with thousands of pounds' worth of replacement stock ordered, donations left in local pubs, and knitters making new garments.

Mrs Robb said the efforts had been "incredibly supportive".

After the fire two 13-year-old boys were arrested but have not been charged with any offence.

Insp Steve Parry said: "We know there has been significant and understandable concern since this fire, which has caused damage to a vital community resource used by many in the area."

He said there would be an "in-depth" investigation into the circumstances of the fire.

Mrs Robb said: "I would love to meet those two lads and sit down with them and just talk to them because I don't want their lives to be devastated by this. I want them to learn from this."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830