Bridgend fire aftermath still affecting local businesses
- Published
The building was showing signs of structural collapse when fire crews first arrived
A huge warehouse fire is continuing to have an impact on neighbouring businesses, shop owners say.
The blaze at a warehouse belonging to Owens Group on Bridgend Industrial Estate broke out on Friday evening.
The damage was so extensive that it caused a building about the size of three football pitches to collapse.
But, while no one was injured, for those working nearby the effects have been far reaching.
Whocult Donuts was forced to close for four days afterwards, despite not even being on the same site as the fire.
Its electricity supply was severed which meant it could not open or bake products for the other three shops in its chain.
Scott Magill, who owns the business, said it suffered as a result.
"We've lost four days of trade which is a big financial hit for a small independent business like us," he said.
"But the fire didn't get to us and we're super grateful to the fire brigade for managing to contain it and keep us all safe."
Mr Magill added he was glad to finally be able to re-open.
Scott Magill, whose donut business had to temporarily close following the fire
"It's a massive relief but the staff have been great and the public very supportive - it's a big weight that's been lifted off our shoulders."
Benchmark Scenic Construction, which makes scenery and props for the film and television industry, was alongside the main warehouse.
It also caught fire and owner Tom Berrow has not been able to access the site since.
Mr Berrow said he feared much of what was inside had been been destroyed.
"Judging by the ferocity of the fire and knowing what was stored in the warehouse behind, I doubt that there's little to salvage," he said.
A 25-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life
"I hope that some of our tools may be okay as they're solid metal, but other than that it's all lost."
There have been offers of help from the industry and Mr Berrow said he was determined to rebuild the business as soon as he can.
"I imagine we can get going within the next month or so with a bare bones team and set of machinery and tools," he said.
"It's the loss of infrastructure, the loss of set up and everything that was in there and also a lot of sentimental loss as well."
A 25-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
He has been released on bail pending further investigation.
- Published19 January
- Published20 January
