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Local MLA's have expressed their shock at last weeks devastating fire at Loughbrook Industrial Estate Bessbrook. A fire raged through a substantial part of the estate on Thursday 7 December. Businesses based there have had to deal with the loss of their and their staff members livelihoods as well as the loss of their premises.
Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy said “A serious fire broke out, completely destroying one unit and causing damage to a number of others.
“Thankfully, a quick response by local business owners and the fire service was able to keep the damage from spreading further.
“This units impacted by the fire will likely need to be demolished, a major blow for the businesses impacted and their workers just weeks away from Christmas.
“My sympathy goes to these businesses and their workers in particular, as well as the other businesses in the estate and I hope that they can recover quickly and be back up and running as soon as possible.
“We will be happy to offer any advice or assistance to the businesses impacted in the weeks ahead.”
Also emphasising the need for support for the businesses concerned Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said “It was shocking to see up close the scale of the damage at Loughbrook Business Park. I was on the ground on the morning of the fires, and the destruction was overwhelming. It took 85 firefighters from both Newry and Lisburn to get the fire under control.
“The psychological blow to business owners and staff is immeasurable, and there is never a worse time to suffer a blow like this than in the mouth of Christmas. Businesses at Loughbrook will need the full support of all parties, statutory agencies, and the community to get back on their feet.
“Thankfully, no one was hurt, but businesses and business owners are now faced with complete devastation. Those businesses will require every support that can be made available to allow them to rebuild, recover and to find alternative premises to enable them to do so.”
