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Fire destroys popular shop
A FIRE has ripped through a popular bike shop in Rugby, completely destroying it and leaving its owners devastated.
Dave Thornton received a phone call in the middle of the night on Friday morning to say his shop - Thornton's Cycle Centre - was on fire.
He arrived in Cambridge Street, where firefighters were already tackling the blaze, to find that his shop, which has been run by his family for the past 40 years, had been destroyed.
Mr. Thornton said: "It's just horrendous. The shop is gutted and we've lost everything.
"I can't trade it's that bad. Nothing can be salvaged."
The fire started in a bin outside the shop, quickly spreading to the building and investigating firefighters believe that it could have been an arson attack.
Mr. Thornton said: "It's amazing how quick it went up. There was no threat beforehand, I think it was just idiots that thought it would be fun.
"They obviously didn't realise the consequences. We've never had anything like this before. It's upset my dad who started the business."
The shop is now all boarded up and a sign notifying customers of its closure but Mr. Thornton is working quickly to try and find temporary premises while the Cambridge Street shop is refurbished.
Mr. Thornton, who thanked his insurance company Douglas Insurance Services in Rugby, said: "We want to reassure people that we've not gone for good.
"We're hoping to move into temporary premises as soon as possible and realistically it will take six to 12 months before the old shop reopens.
"We've spoken to some customers and hopefully they will hang on for us."
The fire came to a shock for many in Rugby who have been loyal customers of Thornton's over the years.
One customer Jill Cooper said: "I was beside myself when I heard. I'm really upset for the family. When you work hard at a business you don't expect that to happen. It's so sad."
Any customers wanting more information can call Dave Thornton on 07561 497170.
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Weather for Rugby
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South west
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Light snow
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