Specialist crews are due to start clearing asbestos debris at a primary school, which was forced to close following a nearby blaze.

It comes as earlier advice telling residents of Factory Road, in Northfleet, to “stay inside” and keep their windows and doors closed has been lifted following the major fire at the nearby Portlands building.

Fire crews were called to the High Street just before 11.30pm on Sunday (October 26), and at its height, eight fire engines, a height vehicle and a bulk water carrier were at the scene.

It was confirmed that asbestos was found within the debris of the fire, and residents of Factory Road were told to “stay inside” with their doors and windows closed on Tuesday (October 28).

Residents of Factory Road have raised concerns about the asbestos which covered their cars, houses and gardens, and the advice given by Gravesham council.

Ricky Wilton told KentOnline he believes that those living in the street should have been evacuated following the fire.

He said: “When I first smelt the smoke, I went out to investigate it and within a matter of minutes it went up. I have never seen that many orange embers falling down in my life.

“We have been left for two days with millions of particles, and just told to stay inside.

“It is on our houses, roofs, it is going to be everywhere. The rain will help clear it, but we have had two days of asbestos covering the entire road.

“The sheer amount of dust. Whether it is one or 10 pieces, if you get a fibre in your lungs, you will have a problem.”

However, the UK Health Security Agency has advised the asbestos is of “no significant health concern” as the fibres are held tightly within the body of cement products and are not readily released into the air during a fire.

Specialist contractors started clearing the debris from the fire in Factory Road on Tuesday (October 28) night.

Pictures and videos taken from the scene showed workers in hazmat suits and masks carrying plastic bags and hoovers, cleaning debris from cars and the street.

In an update yesterday (October 28) evening, Gravesham council confirmed that debris clearance in Factory Road has been completed.

A spokesperson said the advice to stay indoors with windows and doors closed has now been lifted following “reassuring air quality monitoring results”.

They added: “Debris has been removed from affected cars, but as a precaution, you should contact your insurer before driving for advice in case of damage which may not always be visible.

“We will also be reviewing whether additional checks on some houses and gardens are needed. If that is the case, you will be visited by representatives of our specialists who will explain more.”

Specialists are now moving on to phase two of the operation at Lawn Primary School, which was closed for the rest of the week following the incident, and the family hub.

It is not yet known when the school will reopen as works continue to ensure it is safe for pupils and staff.

The High Street was closed between the Hot Rod Diner and Lawn Road on Monday (October 27) as there were fears that part of the building could collapse.

It has now been confirmed that a specialist heritage survey has recommended that the chimney on the eastern side of the Grade-II listed property be demolished to the level of the rest of the building.

Work is due to start at 9am on Saturday (November 1) and is expected to be completed by early afternoon.

Measures will be in place to avoid disturbance of the remaining debris on site, including damping down of dust to prevent its spread.

The High Street was expected to remain shut for the rest of the week; however, the road will be partially reopened today, allowing access to Lawn Road.

The High Street will still be sealed off between Factory Road and the Hot Rod Diner until further notice, with a notice in place until November 16.

Bosses at the Hot Rod Diner told KentOnline the closure is yet another blow to their already struggling business, as they have been forced to close completely.

Manager Laura Chantler had expected the eatery to be heaving with customers for Halloween and the half-term, and says the restaurant will likely lose thousands of pounds in trade.

The American diner has business interruption insurance, but it can only be claimed once it is allowed to reopen, which does not help with the immediate pressure of ongoing losses.

Laura added: “It has affected us massively. We had a lot of bookings, but had to call up and cancel them as we want to give people as much notice as possible.

“I am hopeful that we can be open, but I do not think it is likely with the information I have. If we are not open by Saturday, that will be a real issue for us.”

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but the police are leading an investigation.