New Specsavers store announced for Bideford after High Street fire

Directors at Specsavers Bideford have announced they will be opening a new store in the town after fire gutted the original High Street property.

Gordon Cumming and Kiren Fox are aiming to restart the business at a permanent site just 200 yards up from the previous site, which had been operating as a Specsavers store for more than 20 years.

Shop-fitters will be working in the empty building for the next three months, ahead of a grand opening in December.

Kiren said: "We’re very excited about moving into the store. A fresh start will enable us to get things exactly as we want them so we can provide the best possible service to our customers.

"We’re very grateful to everyone for their patience and perseverance. Everyone has been incredibly supportive and understanding since we had to close our original store after the fire.

"Our staff have been working out of the Specsavers Barnstaple store, where patients with pre-booked appointments have been going, and this will continue until we open the new site.

"It’s been a difficult time for all concerned, but we are thinking positively and looking forward to what will be a bright future for our customers, staff and the business."

The fire broke out in the roof of a residential property above the store in the early hours on September 7. Seven fire engines attended the scene, with crews fighting the flames for several hours.

No injuries were reported, but there was extensive damage to the roof and top floor of the property at the corner of Mill Street and High Street.

Gordon said: "Devon Fire and Rescue Service have been incredible throughout this. I’d like to say a big thank-you to them for their professionalism, dedication and care in the job they do.

"We have been a part of the town for 23 years, supporting local events and organisations as well as customers, and we’re proud to say we will be able to continue that for many more years.

"We believe the investment we’re making in the new site will bring real benefits to our customers, combining the latest eye care and retail technology to provide a highly professional and ultra-modern service."