Arsonist targets charity shop (From Ilkley Gazette)
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Arsonist targets charity shop
1:48pm Friday 22nd June 2012 in News By Amanda Greaves
The boarded up Sue Ryder shop
An Ilkley charity shop suffered thousands of pounds of damage in a suspected arson attack and could remain closed for months.
The Sue Ryder shop was seriously damaged in the blaze early on Thursday morning, which spread from bags of donated goods left on the doorstep of the Cowpasture Road shop.
Fire also caused slight damage to new neighbouring business Ilkley Moor Pharmacy, due to open shortly.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blaze is being treated as suspected arson.
Three fire crews were called out to fight the fire at around 5.15am.
The Sue Ryder charity, which runs Manorlands Hospice at Oxenhope, fears the shop could remain closed for several months.
It is asking anyone who wants to donate goods to give them to the Sue Ryder shop on Otley Road, Guiseley. Donations towards repair and refurbishment of the Ilkley shop can be made by calling Jo Manning on 01924 492955 or emailing jo.manning@sueryder.org.
watcher22 says...
6:00pm Fri 22 Jun 12
When Hillards suffered a fire in the early 80s 'local tradesmen rallied round' and it only took a couple of days to get it up and running again. Why so long for this worthwhile little shop?