A MECHANIC whose livelihood was destroyed after an explosion destroyed his garage is determined to get his life back on track.
Work has now begun to clear the wreckage of what used to be Lord Street Motors, in Grimsby, which was severely damaged last month when a gas cylinder, kept in a storeroom for welding purposes, exploded.
As reported, the explosion sent the middle part of the building crashing to the ground in a pile of rubble – causing so much damage that owner Malvin Hunter estimates it will cost his insurers £300,000 to get the business up and running again.
Men from Keestone Contractors – a West Yorkshire-based firm – are now starting to carry out the clean up operation.
However, thanks to the kindness of fellow mechanic Andrew Poole, manager of West Marsh Car Centre, Mr Hunter – who has been running his business for 22 years – has been able to continue working in the meantime.
After hearing about the devastating news, Mr Poole offered Mr Hunter a bay and ramp at his premises in Grimsby's Armstrong Street, to allow him to keep going.
Mr Poole said: "As a small business myself, I know how hard it is to bring in customers.
"It is now even harder for Malvin, so I wanted to make sure at least some trade could continue for him."
The only building left standing after the fire was Mr Hunter's newest garage.
The 64-year-old hopes to start clearing this out over the next few days, so that he can commence work on it again within the next three to four weeks.
He said: "This building has a lot of smoke and heat damage. A new roof will be put onto it, the walls given a deep clean, rewiring done throughout and a total refurbishment.
"I lost all my main tools and equipment during the fire – years of hard work just went up in flames – but I have to stay positive and just start to now build my business back up."
Mr Hunter added that he is grateful to Mr Poole for allowing him to continue some of his trade there.
He said: "Not only does it still give me vital income through this time, it is keeping my employees in work.
"My mechanics are working there for now to deal with our customers.
"People can still get in touch with me if they need our services. I want to thank Andrew for his kindness. It has really helped me out.
"Once I am trading again in my new garage, work will begin on the rest of the site.
"What is still left standing will be flattened and a brand new building erected in its place."
Keep reading your Grimsby Telegraph for an update on this story.
