Farm shop owners determined to rebuild after fire

Peter and Alison Themans have owned Wenlock Edge Farm near Much Wenlock for two decades

The owners of a farm shop that was "completely destroyed" in a fire have said they are determined to rebuild their business "bigger and stronger" than before.

Peter and Alison Themans have owned Wenlock Edge Farm, near Much Wenlock, for two decades, however on Monday the couple woke up to find their farm shop on fire.

The blaze was caused by an electrical fault and damaged 95% of the building, emergency services said.

Despite the their heartbreak the pair are determined to stay positive, with Mr Themans saying the business was "definitely going to come back".

"There's no point being negative, it doesn't get you anywhere," he said.

"We've had a long, long discussion with our family and our staff and I think everybody wants to come back and grow again."

He hoped the rebuild would be covered by their insurance, however he said he was very aware of inflation and rising building costs.

Peter Themans, owner of Wenlock Edge Farm, said he had been humbled by the number of people who had offered support

Mr Themans added that the business was a "big employer" in the small hamlet and everybody who worked there had been "hit-hard".

"I think the staff value the fact that their work is on the doorstep and they don't have to travel miles to work," he said.

"They seem very invested in it [the business]."

He said the support the team had received from the local community had been "fantastic".

"I just didn't know so many people would be upset by it," Mr Themans said.

He added that he had been humbled by the number of people who had reached out and offered their support.

"We're going to do our best to be back as soon as possible," he said.