Blaze leaves a burnt-out shell (From Barry And District News)

Blaze leaves a burnt-out shell

A SUCCESSFUL Barry businessman is offering a cash reward after an arson attack gutted one of his buildings in Palmersvale Business Centre.

Local trader Phillip Saunders, 47, was alerted to the blaze ripping through the temporary building hired for his security guard at 3am on Wednesday, December 18. The fire, which is being investigated by the police, has cost Phillip Saunders Trade Warehouse approximately £5,000 to put right.

His wife and business partner Linda, 48, said: "Luckily the building was unoccupied. We only hired the security for over the Bonfire Night period, as protection against fireworks. But the day before the fire, we'd asked him to cover the markets instead.

"We were called by the alarm company. By the time Phil arrived the fire service was already there.

"To make sure the fire hadn't spread, the firefighters had to kick the door in of the outhouse we had just bought and refurbished, leaving it unsecured. So Phil had to stay until staff arrived at 8.30am."

The couple had just bought the old warehouse, planning to open it as a showroom on January 3.

Linda added: "We shall open, but it's a struggle. While the insurance company are paying out, it's only for the contents of the hut. We have to foot the bill for the damage on the other building."

Determined to find the culprits, Linda and Phil have offered a reward of £500 for information leading to the conviction of the individuals responsible. Linda said: "We would like people to come forward out of decency. But if the information they give proves to be right, we will reward them."

A spokesman for Barry police said: "We appeal to anyone with information to contact Barry CID on 01446 734451 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.