Bromley Council 'was warned' of building fire risk

Ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters saved the Beckenham Odeon cinema after flames ripped through a nearby building

Bromley Council had been warned about fire safety risks at a high street building where a large blaze occurred, local businesses say.

Flames ripped through the property based beside the Beckenham Odeon cinema on Tuesday morning with some 70 firefighters taking two-and-a-half hours to bring the blaze under control.

Local business owner Chris Penfold said he had raised concerns about a wooden structure on the roof of the building and told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it "was just a question of when, rather than if [a fire broke out]".

The Met Police is investigating the cause of the fire and the council said it could not comment while this is taking place.

One local business owner said he had raised concerns of a wooden structure on the roof of the property with the council

The LFB said it also could not comment until the investigation is completed.

The owner of nearby jewellery shop Vásconez Silver, who did not want to be named, said the LFB visited the building two days before the blaze, to assess whether it was a fire safety risk.

The business owner said she had "sent so many emails to the council and to the fire brigade. We have complained so many times. Nothing has been done".

Bromley Council is further investigating alleged reports that the food outlet based on the ground floor of the building had been issued with a prohibition notice and ordered to close by the LFB due to fire safety concerns.

The owner of the property declined to comment to LDRS when they were approached on Tuesday.

In a statement released following the fire, local MP Liam Conlon said he was deeply grateful to the LFB for its "swift and courageous response".

He added he had "spoken with Bromley Council to ensure they provide residents with the help they need, including temporary accommodation where required".

The cinema was shut throughout Tuesday but Odeon said it had partly reopened on Wednesday afternoon, with screens one and two having to remain "closed for now".

No injuries were reported as a result of the blaze.