A SUSPECTED arson attack last weekend has ripped through an industrial estate destroying businesses and acres of farmland in Bretforton.
The blaze in Weston Road last Saturday (August 9) started in a building and spread to 12 acres of crop-bearing land with 13 fire crews called to the scene at 11.52am. There were no casualties.
Crews from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, supported by Warwickshire and Gloucestershire Fire Services battled the blaze which has destroyed a swathe of businesses. Fire officers remained on scene until 3.55pm on Monday.
Premises affected include British Touring Car Championship team, Power Maxed Racing (PMR), Kidzmotion a supplier of children’s bikes and scooters, a warehouse belonging to Hooray’s Gelato Kitchen, and Evesham Concrete.
Nearby CRH Plant hire had a fortunate escape thanks to prevailing winds and is ‘totally operational’. A spokesperson for the plant said: “We were really lucky and were left pretty much unscathed apart from damage to hedges.”
West Mercia Police have confirmed to the Observer that the incident is being treated as arson, with enquiries ongoing. Gloucestershire police also attended.
The view from Honeybourne as the first took hold. Photo credit Magnus MinginsAn open letter published on the British Touring Car Championship website from PMR boss Adam Weaver detailed the scale of the destruction to his business.
The businesses product factory, stock warehouse and three race cars were all destroyed in just 20 minutes, leaving their hopes of competing at Knockhill this weekend in tatters. Tools, spare parts, and components were also lost.
Mr Weaver added: “A fire ripped through our facilities, destroying absolutely everything. Devastated doesn’t cover it.
“The heat was so intense it melted solid gearbox casings, reduced entire engines to warped molten metal, and left nothing but ash and twisted steel of the buildings.
“Years of work, equipment, and investment were destroyed in a matter of hours. We are starting again from nothing.
“Our factory may be gone, but our spirit is very much alive.”
To add insult to injury, heartless thieves targeted the site on Sunday night and stole a few remaining tools that had survived the flames.
The B4035 near Bretforton. Picture by Marcus Mingins
Following an appeal for support from the racing community Mr Weaver said they’d managed to secure two cars to compete at Knockhill this weekend.
He told the Observer he already has plans to rebuild the business (which is fully insured) and added: “It’s heartbreaking but seeing the outpouring of love and support is quickly repairing that.
“We will come back stronger than ever.”
