CONCERNS have been expressed about people parking badly in Sandford Square which hampered a fire engine attending a fire at a bungalow in St Swithun's Gardens, on Easter Sunday.

A fire crew from Crediton was able to gain access through the square but the second appliance, from Witheridge, encountered some difficulty and was held up in Church Street.

Malcolm Vallance, Sandford Parish Clerk, told the Courier that the problem of people parking badly in Sandford Square was an "ongoing issue", adding it was also a "sensitive issue".

Mr Vallance added: "Fortunately the three or four minutes wasted was not an issue on this occasion."

He added: "The Parish Council, I am sure, will be taking this matter up once again with Devon County Council and the Police who have not been sympathetic to our on-going parking issues in Sandford Square even when we had cars triple parked causing obstruction."

Fire crews were called to the bungalow fire just after 7pm after fire control received several telephone calls.

On arrival the Crediton crew found the bungalow was well alight, including the roof fitted with solar panels.

The crews, including the Witheridge crew and another from Exeter, used four sets of breathing apparatus, one short extension ladder, one hose reel jet and one main jet to put out the fire.

Positive pressure ventilation was used within the property to clear the smoke.

Adjoining properties were evacuated.

Police attended because of traffic issues and to assist with investigating the incident.

Following the fire, police arrested Paul Dykes (61), also known as Paulio Sauluae, of arson following the fire at his bungalow, 5 St Swithun's Gardens.

He is also facing a charge of recklessness to endanger life following the blaze.

Dykes was remanded in custody by magistrates and will appear at Exeter Crown Court on Friday, April 19.