Cordners: Owners of Newtownards shop thank community after fire
- Published
The business owners said they were grateful for the overwhelming amount of kind messages
The owners of a shoe shop in Newtownards in County Down have thanked the local community for its "love and support" following a devastating fire.
Firefighters were first called to the business at Conway Square shortly after 06:00 GMT on Friday and spent most of the day battling the blaze.
It is believed to have been caused accidentally.
In a social media post, the business owners said they were grateful for the overwhelming amount of kind messages
They said they would overcome the challenge and emerge stronger than ever.
Clive O'Neill runs a local business in the town's square and said local traders are all behind Cordners.
Clive O'Neill said all the traders were behind Cordners
"We're all devastated, it's a long established business and a family business and we're heartbroken for the family and the surrounding businesses," Mr O'Neill said.
Debris outside the shop on Saturday
"It's a blow to the town, Newtownards is a fantastic wee town.
"The support that the family have received online, on social media has been excellent," he added.
"The chambers of trade, other traders rallying around to give them support, offers," he said.
"I've actually had two offers this morning from other retailers who have premises if they want to use their premises, which is absolutely fantastic."
Mr O'Neill also paid credit to the emergency services.
"Our emergency services were absolutely brilliant, on the spot early," he said.
"Until today they were here, they've been excellent and without their intervention there would have been a lot more damage."
The fire started on Friday morning
The first fire crews arrived at the scene eight minutes after the initial call out on Friday morning.
An NIFRS spokesperson said the fire was already "well developed" and firefighters' initial focus was to extinguish it and prevent its spread to neighbouring properties.
Seven pumping appliances, an aerial appliance and a command support unit were also deployed to tackle the fire.
A number of roads around the square were closed for much of the day.
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A total of 48 firefighters were deployed to the incident
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