Clarks Wood Co Ltd had a close shave this week when fire broke at a warehouse housing the ‘history’ of animation characters Wallace and Gromit which was adjacent to its yard.
Arsonists are thought to be responsible for the blaze which destroyed nearly 30 years of sets, scripts and storyboards in Bristol.
Clarks Wood managing director Geoff Osborne expressed relief that the fire did not spread to his company’s premises, saying the timber would have caused an even bigger catastrophe.
But he added: “While we survived the loss of business by fire, our access was totally cut off with no goods in and no goods out as we are located in a cul de sac on the wrong side of the furnace.”
But support from customers has enabled deliveries to be diverted for the time being. Mr Osborne said: “Some of our customers may just have a little more stock in their yard than they expected.
“We have also managed to get our local council to reopen the cul de sac temporarily and allow us to get some smaller lorries to our yard.
“We may not have any electricity, gas or computers, but, despite this, due to resourceful thinking and support from everyone we are open for business.”
