Trader's frustration year on from huge fire

A business owner on an industrial estate destroyed by a fire more than a year ago has said he is frustrated no progress has been made to clear the site.

The blaze that ripped through the Baldock Industrial Estate, Hertfordshire, in July 2023 destroyed more than 40 business units.

Craig Ross, 39, who ran an engineering business there, said he hoped demolition would take place as soon as possible, but said it was hard to get all the units' owners to agree on the same course of action.

Mr Ross said he was also worried about break-ins. Hertfordshire Police and North Herts District Council have been approached for comment.

Mr Ross said his family-run engineering business, which had been in the town for 30 years, had relocated to Astonbury Farm, near Stevenage, but he said "it is not the same", as they have lost passing trade.

He said the fire had "damaged the community massively" and he "can’t wait to be back in Baldock... I miss it so much".

"Some owners have got insurance payouts - they have been hit by under insurance. It has taken its toll on people," he said.

The 40 units on the industrial estate have 17 different private owners, and it is their responsibility to keep it secure.

Mr Ross said there had been a "considerable amount of break-ins", with reports of children playing and making camps inside, and they were "just doing our best to keep them out".

Despite hoardings and warning signs, Mr Ross said his unit had been broken into several times.

"They have taken excess metal which we have yet to take," he said. "Now they are helping themselves to it.

"It makes me feel nauseous every time I come back. It is heart-wrenching. It is gutting."

A fire investigation report seen by the BBC said the accidental fire was likely to be have been started by the burning of plastic waste at the Stair Company in units 24 – 42. The company was approached for comment.

Forensic teams cannot access the site to determine the exact cause of the fire due to the dangerous structure and asbestos.

Mr Ross said he understood it will not be until the demolition happens that a full investigation can be carried out.

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