A FISH and chip restaurant which fell victim to a “devastating” blaze is set to re-open almost a year after the huge fire. 

The Frying Pan, located in Southchurch Road, Southend, was severely damaged both inside and outside the building on March 16 last year. 

The fire - recorded as accidental by firefighters - had also very quickly spread to neighbouring properties.

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There were people inside the popular fish and chip restaurant at the time of the incident, but everyone was evacuated safely.

Now, bosses have announced they are hoping to re-open in February.

The restaurant is also looking for new staff to join the team ahead of the opening.

Matt Dent, councillor for Kursaal ward where the fire took place, was delighted to hear about the business getting back on their feet.

He said: “It is fantastic and great news to hear this.

“When it burnt down it was devastating, shocking, and tragic.

“It is the chippy I used too, and for a lot of people it was extremely concerning and disappointing to see what happened to it.

“Now it is coming back, it is like getting a piece of the local community back.

“Particularly with the economic climate as it is at the moment, any expense for businesses is cause for concern, and so it is really good news that they are able to come back from this.

“I am sure residents will be excited, and that there will be a lot of people going back to get their Friday fish and chips.”

Photos from the scene showed the entire shop front was burned with all windows smashed.

In a statement, bosses said: “We are pleased to say we are on schedule to hopefully re-open in about the middle of February.

“We need to recruit some new part time staff for when we re-open, so if you would like to be one of the new Frying Pan team, please send your CV to thefryingpan609@gmail.com.

“We will be looking for happy, motivated staff who are not afraid of hard work, aged 16-plus.

“The shifts available will be mainly evenings. We look forward to hearing from you.”