22 August 2008, 08/107
Fire-affected shops open for business as
usual
Sandy Lane shops are still open for business as usual despite
the devastating fire at the fish and chip shop.
While people may not be able to buy a chippy dinner at the
centre for the time being, visitors can still buy a variety of
other necessities because the other businesses are still trading as
normal.
West Lancashire District Council pulled out all the stops to
ensure that shops in the centre have not been adversely affected by
the fire since the incident on 25 July, which completely gutted the
local takeaway.
Structural engineers working on the site had initially advised
the Council that the other premises should be shut whilst essential
restoration work is carried out. However, to support the businesses
and to ensure continuous trading, the Council has erected tunnel
access to the affected shops so that shoppers can still gain
access. The Council has also put signage up outside to advertise
that the shops are still open for business.
In addition, the Council’s Insurance representative has been out
to see the affected traders to ensure that all insurance matters
are sorted out as quickly as possible and to offer them a point of
contact.
Businesses operating in the centre include: Bargain Booze,
Andrews Laundrette & Dry Cleaners, The Fruit Shop, Skelmersdale
Flower Centre, West Lancs Hospice Association, Occasions, Sayers,
Martins McColl, Twinkle House, Citizens Advice Bureau, Essentials
Tanning & Beauty, Raffles Hair Design, The Cooperative,
Betfred, Rowlands Pharmacy, The Carlton Carpet Centre Limited,
Sandy Lane Post Office and West Lancashire Substance Misuse
Service.
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