Long Stratton Bekays DIY and Hardware beside A140 closes after fire damages building
A DIY store which has been operating for more than 30 years has decided to close down after a fire caused extensive damage to the building.
Jamie Wilson, owner of Bekays DIY and Hardware, beside the A140 in Long Stratton, announced the decision on Monday and expressed his gratitude to everyone who had supported the business.
In the statement, he said: “Sixteen years ago I first walked into the shop and instantly fell in love with the smell and atmosphere, and the fact that whatever you wanted, Peter had it.
“I vowed one day to own Bekays, and 13 years later I proudly took the keys from Peter with a promise to carry on the service the good people of Long Stratton and surrounding villages had come to expect.
“Covid came along, however we, along with everyone else, worked through this difficult time and came out the other side.
“Then disaster - the biggest fire Long Stratton had ever seen took our business along with three others.
“Thank god no one was hurt, but the building was damaged extensively. It is difficult to be exact, but it’s looking like two years before tenants can once again trade from the first three units.
“It is for this reason, that we will not reopen Bekays DIY. It is not a decision we have taken lightly but we are emotionally and financially unable to continue.
“I feel sorry for the village but please understand I must put my family first. I don’t regret for one minute being part of the Bekays legacy but 2022 has been an extremely difficult year for us and we need a fresh start for 2023.
“Thanks to each and everyone of you that supported not only us but Peter in the last 30 years.”
Mr Wilson took over the business from Peter Adams three years ago, with Mr Adams having run Bekays for 24 years, after his brother had initially opened the store five years earlier.
Six fire crews attended the fire during the summer, which engulfed the upper floors of three units, causing damage to four in total, and leading to the A140 being closed.
