A PILLAR of the Parkeston community said he is devastated after a fire ravaged the village’s “neighbourhood hub”.

Firefighters spent an hour tackling the blaze at the community building, in Hamilton Street, on Sunday morning.

Crews from Dovercourt and Clacton managed to extinguish the fire, but nearly 80 per cent of the premises was destroyed by the inferno.

The cause of the fire has been recorded as accidental, deliberate or both.

Parkeston Residents’ Association finished renovating the disused building last year for it to be used as a community centre.

The premises is used by about 80 residents a week from Parkeston Dining Club, the parish council and other community groups.

Bill Davidson, chairman of Parkeston Residents’ Association, said he was “absolutely gutted” when he found out the building has gone up in flames.

He said: “The whole community is devastated, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so gutted.

“About 80 people use the hub each week, and it is now the start of the football season and our players have nowhere to change as the toilet block and changing facilities have been destroyed by the fire.”

Bill said main hall has been unaffected by the blaze.

He said: “It’s affecting our youngsters who need the changing rooms, but luckily the Parkeston Dining Club is okay.

“If it was an accident nothing can be done, it’s just unfortunate.

“But if the fire was deliberate, it has hurt people in the community.”

Residents have expressed their sadness about the fire on Facebook.

Paula Cook said she feels gutted for Bill.

She said: “He’s trying so hard for the children of the village.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said it is unbelievable and unacceptable if the fire was started deliberately. Bill is in talks with the insurance company about the damage and is waiting to hear.

He cannot touch the inside of the building, but has started clearing up the premises.

A fence was put up around the fire damaged area on Monday.