Business community urged to come forward to support those affected by Cowdray fire

Portfolio Holder for Business at Colchester Borough Council is urging the business community in the town to come forward to help those businesses and charities still reeling after the fire at the Cowdray Centre.

Following the fire on Saturday 8 July, many of the businesses and charities affected are still looking for new premises to be able to continue trading.

Councillor Don Henshall, portfolio holder for business said: "Unfortunately many of those affected by the fire have not been able to get back up and running as quickly as others. Rents at the Cowdray Centre were relatively low and not all the affected businesses and charities have been able to afford comparable commercial rates elsewhere."

Since the fire Colchester Borough Council's Enterprise team have been trying to contact all the businesses and charities affected by the fire. So far 36 have responded to say they are trading, whilst four have gone out of business.

Some of those who have been able to secure temporary accommodation cannot remain indefinitely so will require a longer term fix.

Councillor Henshall continued: "The business community really came together after the fire at the Cowdray Centre and I would like to urge anyone who has space available to come forward so we can get the remaining businesses and charities back up and running again.

"The Enterprise team here at Colchester Borough Council have been working extremely hard and with great professionalism to help and support those affected by the fire. An incident of this size has never occurred in the borough before but the team adapted fantastically well to the situation and were able to provide information and advice to those affected. They are still on hand for anyone who has not yet come forward."

An emergency business pack is still available for anyone whose business or organisation was affected by the fire, to get a copy phone 01206 282107.

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Press release issued August 29th 2006