AN ANGRY farmer, who lost nearly £18,000 when fire raged through 60 acres of corn this week, blamed the disaster on careless ramblers. He believes the fire which devastated his corn harvest on Sunday, was started by people walking on a public footpath which runs through the field between Southend Common and Kimble Farm. The angry farmer said: "I saw the people myself, walking the footpath and sitting down in the straw by the sides, the fire started within 14ft of the path. It looks as if someone thrown away a cigarette butt. It is basically complete and utter carelessness."

The crop that was ready for harvest was not insured and he lost more than £200 for every burned acre. Two fire crews fought the blaze but managed to save only a small portion of the crop. Firemen had to concentrate their efforts on saving nearby Kiln Cottage, which was threatened by the blazing crops.

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