Bakery is back in business after blaze (From Warrington Guardian)

Orford bakery Tomlins is back in business after blaze

5:00pm Friday 11th May 2012 in News

QUEUES were snaking out of the door and down Synge Street five minutes after popular Orford bakery Tomlins re-opened on Friday.

The shop was completely destroyed in January after it was torched by arsonists.

But owners Shaun Goodwin and Graham Harrison were celebrating last week and thanked their ‘loyal’ customers for returning.

Shaun, aged 53, said: “Friday was excellent and we’re so pleased.

“We would like to thank all our valued, loyal customers for keeping us busy right through the morning and lunchtime.

“Everybody has said that they are glad we’re back and they haven’t been anywhere else and we even had people placing orders before we had opened.”

Known for its hand-made pies, the bakery had been in business for more than 100 years and was originally owned by two sisters.

Shaun and Graham took over in 2002 after working for the same catering company.

Work on the building included new walls, ceilings, shelves and flooring.

Shaun, from Great Sankey, thanked shopfitters Pentagram and Wards Windows, Kerfoot Street, for helping them turn things around.

He added: “It may seem like we have re-opened quickly to some but for us it’s been a long time and we’re not used to having so much spare time.

“It’s great to be back and to give all the same staff their jobs back, including three members of the same family, but it was hard getting up at 5.30am again.

“We’re really pleased to be back serving our community.”

A police spokesman said detectives are continuing to appeal for information.

He added: “Officers have examined CCTV footage, carried out house-to-house enquiries and followed up forensic examinations.

“No arrests have been made but anyone with information is urged to come forward.”

Call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 108 of January 21 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.