Repairs to start at blaze-hit Burnley shops (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Repairs to start at blaze-hit Burnley shops

5:00pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News By Tyrone Marshall, Reporter

A ROW of businesses damaged in a roof blaze are set to be repaired.

Jazzman Grooves barbers, Holt and Longworth Solicitors, and Bar Boogie, have now re-opened, but Alfie’s Butty Shop, in Bull Street, Burnley, remains closed.

Chris Speakman, a director at Burnley-based Speakman Contractors, said they would be beginning repairs as soon as possible.

He said: “The work from the loss adjusters has arrived this week and there is quite a bit that needs doing.

“There are electrical repairs, re-roofing and internal refurbishments. It is quite a big job and there was a lot of damage inside the property.

“As well as the fire damage to the three shops, there was water damage from the fire hydrant to Bar Boogie.

“Three of the four premises have managed to get open now, and it is just the sandwich shop that remains closed.”

Fire crews were called to the blaze at around 11pm on Sunday, February 3.

Flames could be seen coming through the roof.

It is believed the blaze was caused by an electrical fault.

Mr Speakman said: “We have seen an increase in recent years of commercial fires caused by electrical problems.

“People tend to be more aware when it comes to gas checks, not electrical checks, but commercial premises really should be checked every year. Commercial properties can be neglected.

“The consequences can be significant, with loss of business, loss of earnings, and potentially loss of life.”