The owner of an East Sussex
hardware shop forced into a temporary shut-down after a fire has spoken of his distress over the ordeal.
The blaze broke out at Trend DIY in Eastbourne during the evening of Friday, April 25 and the road was closed as firefighters attended the scene and checked the building's safety. Fortunately, no one was hurt but the shop has had to close.
"This is the most traumatic thing my wife and I have experienced," owner Harry Papadopoulos told DIY Week. "After 29 years in business it's difficult not going to the shop.
"I never expected to say this, but I miss talking and meeting with customers. We have had some wonderful messages of support and help from the local community and customers."
He said the fire investigators and insurance forensic investigators believe the blaze was caused by an electrical fault, from either the printer or router.
"The fire was limited to the office, which was totally destroyed," he went on. "The remainder of the store fixtures and stock are severely smoke damaged.
"We have insurance through Towergate. They were very good about getting things moving, considering it was the Saturday when I contacted them. It's now wait and see.
"We will refit and re-stock, and try to re-open by August," he added.
Trend DIY prides itself on being the oldest hardware store in Eastbourne.