THE owners of a Barnard Castle garage which was badly damaged in an arson attack say they have been overwhelmed by the support they have received since the fire.
Emergency services were called to Vere Road Garage in the early hours of Saturday, August 3.
A car used as a garage run-about was destroyed and the back door and window of a workshop damaged beyond repair.
The business is run by John and Kelly Dixon who have spent the last week picking up the pieces and ensuring it has been business more or less as usual.
The fire damaged cabling which affected the landline phone and internet, but Mr Dixon ensured all calls were transferred to his mobile.
“We would really like to thank all the neighbours and our customers for their support,” he said.
“Even though we’ve had the fire we are still open and still providing the service to our customers.
“Hopefully this week, we will be back to normal.”
Mrs Dixon, who also works as manager of the Mind charity shop in Barnard Castle, added: “Everyone has just been amazing.
“We have received so many offers of help and support, everything from people offering to come and just make us a cup of tea to help with cleaning up and painting.”
The couple only took over the garage in March and despite the fire, which is being investigated by police, the couple said they had no regrets about taking it on.
Mr Dixon is a trained mechanic and had spent his career working for dealerships before he and his wife decided to take on the venture.
“I had never been in the garage until we came to look at it and from our very first visit, it just felt right. It’s got a nice feel about it,” he said.
“We have settled in and had such a busy spell.
“But we are back up and running and trying to do what we do best – fixing cars.”
Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the arson attack on the garage to contact them on 101, quoting crime reference number CRI00561645 or online at www.durham.police. uk.
Alternatively, information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
