A Braintree shopping centre manager is urging all businesses to make contingency plans in case of a disaster after a devastating fire caused lasting damage to town centre shops.

Brenda Baker, who manages George Yard shopping centre, warned that it was important to prepare for the worst in the wake of a suspected arson attack in Braintree’s High Street.

The blaze took hold of a third floor flat above the Braintree Emergency Night Shelter (BENS) last Wednesday and spread so quickly that Mitch Cook, who was living in one of the flats, was forced to flee by jumping out of a window onto a double decker bus.

The fire damaged neighbouring business Allen Estate Agents and caused smoke and water damage to Fleurtations Flowers, forcing the florists to relocate to an empty shop in George Yard next to Fever Accessories.

Ms Baker, chairman of Braintree’s chamber of commerce, said: “It is necessary to have plans in place so when you are facing the worst that can possibly happen, you have plans and help to deal with it.

“As chairman of the chamber of commerce, I have been speaking to the council about helping people write a business contingency plan."