FAMILIES who fled their homes after a suspected arson attack that killed a mum-to-be are too scared to return, it is claimed.

Just two of the five groups evacuated from the ninth floor of the Grampians in Balmoral Road, Westcliff, on May 7 have so far returned, despite the flats being being made habitable.

Heavily pregnant Khabi Abrey, 30, died in hospital two days after the corridor blaze and Lillo Troisi, 47, of Balmoral Road, Westcliff, will face a murder trial later this year.

Terry Brown, chairman of the residents’ association, said efforts were ongoing to raise money for the affected families but most were too afraid to come back.

He said: “People are very nervous. Although it’s been cleaned up as best they can it’s a pretty grim sight in there.

“I don’t think I would want to walk into that knowing what’s happened.

“I think people don’t want to face it.”

Mr Brown said the death of Mrs Abrey, known as Bunny, had shattered the community.

He said: “It has left us feeling very sick and very shocked. It’s not gone out of my mind at all.

“I’m still in a state of shock and just feel exhausted by it.”

Mr Brown said he has demanded the authorities beef up security in the wake of the tragedy and claims the flats are plagued by drug dealers.

CCTV cameras cover the lifts but they are not actively monitored and there is no coverage on the doors or stairwells where troublemakers lurk.

He said: “It could happen again. It has left people aware of how vulnerable we are. We do have problems here to say the least, with stairwells and people getting in.

“There is drug dealing. It’s all over Southend. People tailgate in or put screwdrivers in the back doors.

“I’m trying to push everyone to commit to neighbourhood watch. I’m pushing for security to be here right through the night to the morning.”

A public meeting will be held on June 1 in Balmoral Hall, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff with representatives from Southend Council and South Essex Homes (SEH).

Mr Brown said: “I have had lots of phone calls and meetings with people.

“We had a shooting here a little while ago.

“We had two drug gangs and they had a shootout last year on a Friday afternoon where the main witnesses were school children.

“A couple of weeks later we had a stabbing once again.

“It has now got the point where some sort of action has to be taken. Who’s next?”

A Southend Council spokesman said: “The safety of local tenants is both the councils’ and South Essex Homes absolute priority.

“Since the fire, South Essex Homes has worked hard to liaise closely with the residents association and local community to address residents’ concerns and will continue to do so.

“As part of this, South Essex Homes, local partners and councillors will be attending the next resident association meeting on June 1.

“We are also working with relevant agencies such as Essex Fire and Rescue service and police to assist with the compilation of relevant reports and investigations.”