Bikers back in business after blaze
AFTER watching their family business go up in flames two motorcycle lovers are thrilled today as their dreams are back on track.Paul Easton, who owns the Washbrook Service Station on Old London Road in Copdock, and his wife Teresa, were devastated when an arson attack on January 2 destroyed most of their garage, including 19 motorbikes.
AFTER watching their family business go up in flames two motorcycle lovers are thrilled today as their dreams are back on track.
Paul Easton, who owns the Washbrook Service Station on Old London Road in Copdock, and his wife Teresa, were devastated when an arson attack on January 2 destroyed most of their garage, including 19 motorbikes.
Mr Easton even admitted that after learning the fire had caused around £80,000 worth of damage he considered giving up the business that had been in his family for generations.
But now, seven months on, the garage in firmly back on its feat and the couple celebrated by holding an open day with displays from Suffolk police, a motorcycle artist and other bike lovers as well as top rider Kieran Murphy who spent the day at the garage, along with 200 other people.
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Mr Easton said: “It's great to get things back to where they were because this year's been a total disaster.
“On the night it happened I was in a bit of a muddle about what to do.
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“But the staff have been fantastic and although it's been hard going I don't think anyone would have let me give up.”
But Mr Easton, who has now installed even more security on the site, said it was frustrating that no one had yet been charged with the attack.
And Mrs Easton added: “Someone was arrested but released afterwards and that is upsetting.
“What happened was really dangerous, and not just for us, because the fire was so near the petrol.
“It's taken us till now to get it back as we decided we weren't going to be beaten by whoever did it.
“But we couldn't have done it without the help of family and friends and now we're pleased with how it looks and are optimistic about the future.
“We've tried to put it out of our mind and move on.”
Weblink: www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
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