A CAR repair business has been devastated by arsonists who set fire to the building when they failed to crack the office safe.

This week as company bosses counted the cost the business was still closed down.

Police believe the firebugs deliberately torched the premises of Hi-Way Motors in Taylor Street out of spite. Damage is estimated at more than £20,000.

Sunday (January 3) morning's arson attack destroyed two small offices, one on top of the other, as well as ravaging an assortment of vital technical equipment which will have to be replaced.

It is believed the raiders, who entered the garage through the roof, were trying to steal unused MoT certificates.

The firm has been forced to temporarily shut down and cancel MoT and other bookings from customers. The damage to the two offices was so severe they had to be totally dismantled.

Hi-Way Motors, based in an industrial unit, is run by partners Mr Malcolm Kay and Mr Graham Stansfield.

Mr Kay said: "Much of our garage equipment was damaged by the intense heat. That will cost us a lot of money to replace."

As he surveyed the extent of the arson attack he said it was too early to speculate when the company would be up and running again.

"It's a just a case of time," said Mr Kay. "As yet we don't really know where to start. There's going to be such a lot to do and replace. The cost of the damage alone will be more than £20,000."

Hi-Way Motors was established 26 years ago and has had its base in Taylor Street for the past 19 years.

Over the Christmas period, Mr Kay helped repaint the premises. "We painted the ramps, walls and other areas. Given what's happened, we needn't have bothered," he said.

Fire crews spent eight hours at the scene after a motorist raised the alarm at 4am. Meanwhile, police investigations into the arson and break-in are continuing.

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