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Am I next? Asks terrified woman
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| The view from the back of Jo's house, looking onto the Highbridge Hotel site |
A WOMAN who lives within yards of a hotel gutted in a suspected arson attack says she is now terrified her home could be next to go up in smoke.
Jo Osmond, who lives on The Clyce, saw a blaze rip through the grade-II listed Highbridge Hotel almost two weeks ago.
She now admits she is scared her house - which is sat in front of two derelict homes - could be caught in a similar fire.
At a public meeting on Thursday, Jo voiced her concerns in front of Highbridge people and hotel owner Derek Mead.
She told a hushed audience at Highbridge Community Centre how she was frightened that another fire could be started in derelict homes on the cattle market site - and spread to her home.
An emotional Jo also spoke to the Weekly News about her fears.
She said: "About three years ago the bus station went up in flames and the cottages next to the White Hart went up in flames.
"Then they boarded up the Highbridge Hotel and everybody started getting panicky.
"I went to the Citizens Advice Bureau and said I was worried about being caught up in this firestorm.
"I feel very, very vulnerable and I think the situation is very unfair - it doesn't affect anyone else. I'm on edge.
"There are empty cottages behind me, if a fire starts it will find the nearest exit and catch to my fence and house. I feel nervous at all times, especially when I leave the place.
"I now cover my car up every night and lock the house up like Fort Knox."
Jo now wants the hotel and the empty cottages to be raised to the ground.
"I'm still feeling scared - the feeling hasn't abated," she added.
9:13am Wednesday 7th May 2008
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