A Keswick business has been forced to close at one of its busiest times of year after burst pipes from a flat above caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.
The fire service was called to The Card Collection in Packhorse Court on Saturday afternoon after water started gushing into the shop at around 2pm.
“I was having a really busy, happy day when we suddenly noticed water coming in through the ceiling and running down onto the card rack,” said owner Gillian Ania.
“The flat upstairs was empty. The water kept coming, first in one area of the shop, then in another, and as there was no way we could stop it I called the fire brigade – to whom go my very grateful thanks for their commitment and persistent efforts to locate the stopcock, which took some finding, and to provide flash lights, assistance, and reassurance.”
Gillian said it was not long before several sections of the plasterboard ceiling collapsed into the shop.
She added: “Stock has been ruined and the whole place is damp, with the carpet soaked through. I am so sorry to disappoint my many, faithful customers, especially just before Christmas, and desperately sad not to be able to continue selling all the lovely Christmas stock I ordered.”
She said the shop must now remain closed until repairs can be carried out.
“My thanks go to all those who rushed to our aid on Saturday with buckets, cloths, mops, and willing hands to try and move stock; to those who have supplied and monitored dehumidifiers; and to friends who have since come forward with offers of help and advice to get us through,” said Gillian, who also paid tribute to staff for their invaluable, timely and practical help.
- Keswick firefighters were called out last Thursday to deal with a three-inch burst mains pipe at Millfield Gardens. They directed the water into drains before it froze and got onto Penrith Road. They then reported the incident to United Utilities which turned the water off.
