A FIRE at a hardware shop caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage when it took hold in a backroom during the early hours of Saturday.

Ron’s Stores in Rodbourne Road saw damage to an estimated £1,000 to £1,500-worth of stock, plus thousands more to the roof, ceiling and fittings, during the fire, which broke out just after midnight. Fire doors prevented the spread of the fire to the rest of the shop.

Twin brothers Adrian and Robert Gosling, who own and run the store, said they thought the problem was caused by an oil-filled radiator.

Robert said: “I had just gone to sleep when the phone went and my wife informed me to get down the shop as quickly as possible because the shop was on fire.

“There were some fire engines and I did see smoke coming out through the side, but not flames.

“It is a very unfortunate accident really. The fire brigade did an excellent job. It was mainly well contained in the back area, because of big double fire doors.

“I’m hoping to get a lot of the clearing up done in the next two or three, days, and then it’s a new roof, new ceiling, new lighting.”

After an emergency call from a member of the public at 12.35am, two fire engines and an aerial appliance from Swindon and Westlea were dispatched, and were later joined by a further pump from Swindon.

Part of Rodbourne Road was closed off during the operation.

Crews used six breathing apparatus, three hosereels, a main jet and positive pressure ventilation to tackle the fire. They returned to their respective stations by 2.40am.

Despite the damage, the store was open and serving customers on Saturday morning, while some of the family cleared the damaged products into a skip.

Standing at the front desk, Adrian said: “I’m glad it was out there and not in here because if it had been in here, the whole lot would’ve gone up.”

He said they were insured for the damage to the stock and building and needed to assess the full extent of that damage.

Ron’s Stores is one of the longest-established businesses in Rodbourne, having been opened about 60 years ago by the brothers’ father, Ron.