A BUSINESSMAN has called for the Esplanade building to be demolished following a string of fires.

Today’s fire at the old Esplanade pub building on Southend seafront is the sixth fire within two years at the premises, with four incidents in June and July last year and an arson attack on November 26 this year.

The pub has been closed for months with windows and doors sealed.

Philip Miller, owner of Adventure Island opposite the site, said it should be demolished immediately.

He said: “My opinion is get it demolished ASAP it’s a genuine hazard to all in proximity.

“It’s not fair to the poor old fire brigade who keep risking life and limb.

“The developers who are reasonable people I understand should be asked for that favour.”

A planning application by Beyond the Box Developments Limited to redevelop the site as a luxury apartment block was approved by Southend Council in August.

The plan will see the derelict pub and neighbouring Marriott’s Fish and Chip shop demolished to make way for an apartment block made up of 49 flats and two restaurants.

The cause of today’s fire remains unknown.