Shop back on track after wagon crash

Rod McKinnon and Mark Jennings, of Perfect Harmony Bedrooms, in Shepherd Road, St Annes, reopened their showroom in December – a month after a Jewson wagon ploughed through the front of their shop.

The pair have built new displays and opened a rear entrance to give customers access to the showroom.

And despite a delay in an insurance claim for the rebuilding of the shop front, the pair say they are very much open for business. Mr McKinnon said: “We are still waiting to hear from the insurance company – it has been 10 to 11 weeks.

“It is clearly a complicated issue, but it is important people know we are open and trading.”

Mr Jennings added: “We still do not know the extent of the work required, and we are awaiting feedback about the structural repairs required.

“There is a lot of hearsay about the damage suffered, with the facade of the building having suffered.

“But I am sure it will all come to fruition soon.”

The front of the building was wrecked after the wagon left the road travelling south on Shepherd Road.

Two cars, a black Vauxhall Astra and a silver Ford Focus, were damaged in the incident, with structural damage caused to surrounding properties.

The building is currently supported by 10 acrows – steel props used in construction.

A Jewson spokesman said: “We are pleased to hear the store is reopening, and once again apologise for the inconvenience caused by the incident.

“We’re very grateful to the store for their cooperation during this process.”

‘Miracle that no- one was killed...’

St Annes Fire Station manager Paul Briggs said it was only luck which stopped anyone from being injured in the incident, which happened just before opening time in front of a busy row of shops.

He said: “It is a miracle no-one was killed.

“When you see the impact with which the wagon hit the shop, no-one would have stood a chance.”
He added: “You have a hairdressers, a dental practice nearby – it was very lucky the residents were not seriously injured.”