RESIDENTS who were forced from their homes when a Hampshire fireworks shop went up in flames have mixed responses about its return are divided over whether it should be allowed to reopen.

Yesterday the Daily Echo reported that the former owner was told he may not be able to rebuild the Southern Fireworks Factory in Bitterne.

Mark Fitzpatrick lost an estimated £50,000-worth of stock in the fire which ripped through the store in May, causing explosions and fireworks to be set off.

DEBATE: Is it time to put out the fireworks? >>>

Homes and properties within a 100-metre radius of the premises off Bitterne Road West, had to be evacuated while more than 70 firefighters battled the blaze for 12 hours.

Investigators concluded the fire was an accident, started after plastic-wrapped cardboard boxes were stacked too closed to a halogen lightbulb.

Mr Fitzpatrick has now received notification from landlord George Bhakar that he is not wanted back on the site. The businessman is now in discussions with his solicitor as he believes his lease has not run out, so is entitled to return.

Linda Morris, who has lived on Bitterne Road West for seven years, was one of those evacuated in the early hours of the morning.

She said: “Everybody has to make a livelihood but I do not know how I feel about it returning, I don’t think fireworks should be in a residential area.

“I would welcome the return of the Flower Factory. It was very popular - his prises were excellent... It was a good little shop. If it was just the Flower Factory then that would be fine but not the fireworks.

“I feel sorry for the guy, he lost a lot and all the staff lost their jobs.

“Nobody wants to lose their business, they were all lovely people, they were always pleasant, it is just the fact we were evacuated that morning because of the gas bottles.

“If the gas bottles had gone off there would have been massive damage.

“The actual explosion was massive... There were things firing this way, there were tiles coming off the roof. The fireworks were just going everywhere.

“It is very lucky nobody was hurt by all the fireworks flying around.”

Jennifer Prouton, who has lived next to the site which was also home to the Flower Factory garden centre, said: “The factory offered wonderful value, they were always friendly and helpful.

“I would like it to return more so for the garden centre than for the fireworks.

“We were woken up at 5am and had to leave our house which was a bit traumatic. I think it is sad, he really made a go of that business. It was thriving. It was tragic, the poor man lost everything.

“In hindsight we have to think whether it was the best idea to put fireworks there.

“I wouldn’t say I don’t want the fireworks to return, it is just the fact that personally I am not interested in fireworks.”

Sam Morley, who lives opposite the site on Bitterne Road West, added: “I would not have a problem with them returning. It was an accident, my house has not received any damage... I don’t have an issue with it.”