A health and safety officer says he is concerned for the welfare of shoppers, traders and people living in Walthamstow High Street after overhearing a conversation between firefighters and council officials.

Tahir Parkar, 48, was strolling through Walthamstow High Street on Saturday afternoon when he came across a fire in a flat above shops.

Mr Parkar of Highams Park claims he witnessed firefighters telling inspectors from Waltham Forest Council that the brigade had difficulty accessing the fire because of stalls obstructing the route.

Walthamstow Market is Europe’s longest outdoor market with over 350 stalls stretching along the pedestrianised high street from the town square to St James Street.

Mr Parkar said: “When I was coming away from the shops I heard the firefighters talking to market officials saying that they had to push stalls out of the way to get access to the fire.

“The fire brigade need to be able to get to the fire.

“I’m a health and safety officer. It’s the kind of thing that I get concerned about.

“I wouldn’t say it was a big fire but if there was a blowout in a building there would have been lots of people in the path below.

“I know that there’s a crucial three minutes for people to get out of a building on fire.

“A fire is always concerning and after recent events it needs to be taken seriously.”

When contacted by the Guardian, a spokesman for London Fire Brigade said he would not comment on the matter as the firefighters who attended the scene were off duty.

Five people escaped the blaze which damaged part of a flat after breaking out at around 2.30pm on Saturday, October 13.

Two fire engines and 10 firefighters from Walthamstow station attended and it was under control before 4pm.

Cllr Simon Miller, cabinet member for economic growth and high streets, said if necessary, the council would be willing to take action to improve accessibility for vehicles in the market.

He said: “The safety of residents is our first priority.

“It has always been the case that one or two market stalls may need to be moved in the event of an emergency at Walthamstow Market.

“The council has a good relationship with the fire brigade, and would be happy to take on board any of their advice about improving access for the emergency services.

“We will carefully consider any implications arising from Saturday’s incident as we continue to work on our high street strategy.”