Leominster businessman supported after fire

1:00pm Saturday 11th October 2008

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A LEOMINSTER garage manager has spoken of the moment he watched the business go up in flames – and how local residents have offered help and good wishes since.

Tim Benson and staff at Oldfields Garage are back at work after a huge fire tore through the building last Tuesday.

Tim said: “The messages of support have been truly touching. It makes you really appreciate being part of this community.”

Most of the town was affected while firefighters battled to stop a potentially lethal acetylene cylinder from exploding.

About 30 homes were evacuated and town centre roads closed after firefighters and police were called out at 11.30am.

“Even though at the time it was pretty frightening, it could have been a great deal worse and, fortunately, nobody was hurt,” Tim said.

Nine fire engines, social workers and St John Ambulance volunteers were involved in the rescue operation, and 100 evacuees were offered shelter at Bridge Street Sports Centre.