By Aaron Sims

A POPULAR Thornbury shop that was ravaged by fire earlier this year has officially re-opened.

Fire spread through gift and coffee shop, Heritage, in September causing the roof to collapse at the rear.

Today, just over two months later, the ribbon was cut for the re-opened gift shop by mayor of Thornbury, Guy Rawlinson.

Speaking afterwards, shop owner, Tabi Marsh, thanked the local community for helping it get back up and running so quickly.

“The opening has gone brilliantly,” she said. “It is good to see everyone again after two months.”

“It has been a real team effort in getting the shop open again. We had Ian Knapp - a local builder - help us put everything back together as well as a load of volunteers come in and giving up their time to help with jobs like painting and putting up shelves. 

“We want to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped us with reopening.”
Whilst the shop has now re-opened, due to the collapsed roof the coffee shop is unlikely to open again until Easter.

Tabi added: “We are now looking to get the coffee shop open again, it won’t be until Easter next year but planning permission has gone in. 

“We are hoping to make the roof higher and to let in more light which will make for a nicer environment.”

Avon Fire and Rescue Service believe the fire on September 5 may have started in an outbuilding behind The Frying Machine fish and chip shop - next door to Heritage.