CALOR Gas is set to launch a new text message alert service in response to a mass panic when 30ft high flames were spotted coming from its Canvey terminal.

The company launched an internal review following the scare in May, caused by the burning off of excess gas – a common safety procedure.

But residents, already concerned about the site following a spill of 163 tonnes of liquid petroleum gas at the Thames Road site in October 2008, had not been informed, and flooded the fire service with calls.

Graeme Lockwood, Calor’s national terminals manager who is largely based at Canvey, said: “We had an internal review, and we felt there is more we could do to communicate with residents.

“We have taken on board complaints from the local community.”

The new service will see residents sign up with their mobile or landline telephone number.

Calor will send out a text message if they plan to carry out any safety exercises, routine maintenance or training which may cause alarm to local residents.

The text message will ask residents to call a local rate number where a recorded message will advise what action is being planned, when it is likely to take place and what they can expect to see.

Paul Blacklock, Calor’s head of corporate affairs, said: “For example, we ran a training exercise for the fire service recently.

“If 20 fire engines came past their front doors, some residents might understandably be a bit disturbed.

“If there is something like that, we will let them know.”

It is hoped the new service will be in place by the end of the year.

It will be open to anyone who wants to sign up for it, not just immediate neighbours of the site.

Canvey councillor Ray Howard was also inundated with calls from residents during May’s scare.

He said: “Any notification is welcome, and I hope its successful so that when there is an exercise or the gas had to be flared to stop any explosion at least the residents will know what’s going on.

“It seems Calor is putting its hand up, and I welcome that.”