A well-known newsagent in Abergavenny has been devastated after a massive fire razed several buildings in the town center. The blaze began at the rear of The Magic Cottage charity shop, a historic grade II listed structure that was once Richard’s Department Store, on Sunday evening. Even on Tuesday morning, smoke continued to rise from the building as the local community grappled with the aftermath of the fire. The fire service remained on site, dousing the building with water hoses, while nearby business owners worked to clear debris beyond the safety cordon.
One of the worst-hit businesses was Cable News, situated next to The Magic Cottage. The owner, Paul Cable, a much-loved figure in the town, has run the newsagents on Frogmore Street for over three decades. The fire has left his business in ruins, with Mr. Cable describing the scene as “absolute destruction.” Despite the loss, he has been touched by the outpouring of support from locals, with many checking on his well-being and offering assistance.
Paul Cable recounted being in his office above the shop on the night of the fire when he noticed a strong plastic odour and observed smoke rising from a trailer in a nearby car park. He swiftly alerted emergency services upon seeing flames engulfing the building. The extent of the damage to his property was severe, with the roof completely destroyed, possibly requiring eventual demolition. Mr. Cable expressed feeling shaken but heartened by the community’s response, as he aims to reopen the newsagents in a new location soon.
Lucy Hywel, the owner of That’s Lovely That and chair of the local chamber of trades, joined other business owners in cleaning up post-fire debris. Although her establishment was physically unscathed, a cordon prevented her from reopening. Concerns were raised among business owners about the impact of potential closures, especially crucial during the upcoming Christmas season, which sustains many enterprises financially.
Gwent Police provided an update regarding the fire on Tuesday afternoon, stating the ongoing presence of emergency services at the fire site and road closures that remain in place for safety reasons. Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway, with authorities urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. The local community has rallied around the affected businesses, demonstrating unwavering support during this challenging period.
Despite the adversity faced by Abergavenny businesses, there is a shared determination to rebuild and restore normalcy to the town centre. Business owners, like Paul Cable and Lucy Hywel, have highlighted the importance of open communication and support from authorities to navigate the aftermath of the fire effectively. The resilience and unity displayed by the community in the wake of this incident underscore the close-knit spirit of Abergavenny, ensuring a hopeful outlook for the future of the town’s businesses and its residents.