High Street Furnishings in Lowestoft to reopen after fire

The fire in June gutted seven flats above businesses along the High Street in Lowestoft leaving occupants homeless and forcing traders beneath to close.

One of the shops affected was High Street Furnishings which sat directly beneath the fire and suffered terribly from water damage.

The owners of the shop of nine years, Chris and Sarah Odwyer, lost everything in the shop including all stock and personal items.

Chris and Sarah Odwyer are pleased to be reopening High Street Furnishings after the fire forced them to close (Image: Submitted)

The couple lost all their stock and personal items from damage caused as a result of the fire (Image: Submitted)

But after the big setback, they have announced the shop will reopen on Friday, November 3.

Mr Odwyer said: "We lost our livelihood through no fault of our own, while we are of course sympathetic that people also lost their homes, it was a tough time for us.

"We lost everything in the fire, all furniture and personal items.

"But after spending some time sorting things out and getting back on our feet we are pleased to announce we will be reopening."

READ MORE: Lowestoft town centre flats gutted by major blaze

High Street Furnishings was cordoned off as the building was at risk of collapsing after the fire (Image: Bruno Brown)

The couple thanked the support and kind words from people in the town and said it was motivation for them to reopen.

"We don't want to lose any shops on our high street, having shops open is important for the town.

"The nice and supportive words from people here have given us a boost and we are so happy to be reopening," Mr Odwyer said.

READ MORE: Investigations closed into Lowestoft High Street fire after arson rumours

Water damage caused the ceilings to collapse in the shop (Image: Submitted)

An aerial shot of the damage the fire caused to the flats above High Street Furnishings (Image: Oliv3r Drone Photography)

The day-to-day running will be carried out by Mrs Odwyer while her husband is working driving carers around the town.

Mr Odwyer said: "We are going to be selling second-hand furniture, vintage items, antiques, collectables and white goods, from fridges, freezers and washing machines.

"We also buy furniture and items, and carry out house clearances and buy things if people locally are selling anything."

A drone shot showing the aftermath of the fire Picture: Oliv3r Drone Photography (Image: Oliv3r Drone Photography)