Community gets arson-hit railway bar back on track

Station Bar at Henley-in-Arden Railway Station reopened 12 hours after an arson attack, thanks to community support

A railway bar has praised the efforts of the local community after cabins which make up the outdoor seating area were destroyed in an arson attack.

Firefighters were called to reports of a blaze at Henley-in-Arden Railway Station at about 04:45 BST on 26 June, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

The fire destroyed several wooden cabins at the Station Bar, however Angela Okey, chair of Friends of Henley Railway Station, a community interest company (CIC) which runs the venue, said it had quickly "risen from the ashes" thanks to the help of locals.

British Transport Police confirmed a 55-year-old man had been arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson and had since been bailed.

Ms Okey said since the blaze, people had stepped in to help and the community spirit had been "incredible".

"The fire was put out at about 05:00 BST. Four hours later a local builder turned up and voluntarily took down the burnt structure, another business got in touch, then came and removed all the burnt wood from the site, the local football team finished work early and the lads arrived to help clean up."

A number of residents and businesses, including the town's ice cream shop, donated plastic tables and chairs to make sure customers had somewhere to sit.

"Twelve hours later we were back open with people outdoors eating and drinking," she added.

A 55-year-old man arrested on suspicion of arson had since been bailed, British Transport Police said

Ms Okey said rather than replacing the wooden cabins, the CIC were looking to purchase a converted shipping container, which would be "more fire resistant".

She added that the most inspiring part of the support had been how people felt the bar was "their space".

"We kind of had a feeling that everybody liked coming here, but it's not until something like this happens and you see how affected people are and how angered they are, that it comes to fruition.

"It makes all your hard work worth it and keeps the momentum to make it even bigger and better."

Ms Okey said multiple cash donations had been made over the bar and a Go Fund Me page was close to reaching £9,000, however the fundraising was "only a drop in the ocean".

"We will find the money one way or the other, we will not be defeated," she added.