A couple who saw the decking of their "much-loved" pub go up in flames have said the community's kindness is helping their business to "rise from the ashes".
Crews from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) were called to Dee View Road in Heswall in the early hours of the morning on Monday, July 18. When fire crews arrived at the scene at 2.47am they found a van in the car park of the Dee View Inn "well alight", along with a large area of decking and fencing.
Videos shared with the ECHO by a resident who lives opposite the garden of the pub show huge plumes of smoke, orange flames and flashing lights from fire engines. A photo of the aftermath of the scene shows a white van completely damaged by the fire, part of the decking destroyed and pub benches and chairs also broken.
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Fire engines remained at the scene for around two hours as they fought the blaze. MFRS has now confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire found it was started accidentally as a result of "carelessly discarded smoker’s materials".
Landlords Kay and Lee said they were "gutted and disheartened" by the fire but have been "overwhelmed" by the community's response.
Kay said: " A customer carelessly threw a cigarette into a planter in a no-smoking area. Their response to the devastation caused has been massively disappointing to say the least- therefore we have now had to rely on the wonderful community and trades that have offered to help.
"This has been an extremely difficult time, as you can imagine, having to close the business, lose trade in the height of summer and, unfortunately we are closed now until further notice for no fault of our own."
She continued: "Thank you to all that turned up this week to lend a hand cleaning up the devastation. Thanks to people who brought cakes, sandwiches & offered help with our children and all the trades that have come forward with decking materials and even skip hire.
"All of the lovely messages within the community - too many to mention, other pub landlords offering to help out in our hour of need, you are all truly amazing and I am overwhelmed with the funds raised to help rebuild our beer garden and all the wonderful people willing to help us get back on our feet as quickly as possible.
A GoFundMe was set up in the wake of the incident by Sue Wright, MD of Harrogate International, and has already raised nearly £2,500.
Sue told the ECHO: “Kay is an amazing landlady in a great local pub - this happening to her after struggling with the challenges of covid has been horrendous.
"The community have shown a wonderful response. If the insurance pay out (which may take some time) then the equivalent of any monies raised within the GoFundMe page will be donated to local charities.”
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