Rectory Road reopened after Worthing fire

Firefighters from across the county were sent to the scene. Picture: Eddie Mitchell

Crews spent six hours extinguishing the blaze opposite the Thomas A Becket pub on Monday evening.

The road remained closed until Wednesday afternoon as fire officers continued to investigate the scene.

It has now been reopened but the pavement remains closed off on one side of the road where the fire took hold.

Pedestrians will need to use the pavement on the east side of the road by the pub for the time being.

The fire service confirmed that their inspection was completed yesterday afternoon.

No crews or officers remain at the site, a spokesman said.

Roy Barraclough, Worthing fire station manager, has confirmed the fire was not being treated as suspicious.

The fire service said 25 per cent of the roof had been destroyed by fire along with 25 per cent of the second floor.

The Thomas A Becket pub was inundated with donations from generous members of the public following the fire.

Tina Knight, an the emergency response officer for the British Red Cross, was called to the pub with three other volunteers to help co-ordinate the relief effort.

The pub has said they have now received enough donations. Any leftover items are being donated to Worthing Churches Homeless Project.

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