Fire destroys planned Ayr Pets’ Corner building

Nov 7 2008 by Stuart Wilson

FIRE has destroyed the centrepiece of the new Pets’ Corner.

A blaze ripped through the old Craigie Nursery restaurant, which was set to be used as an educational centre at the new animal home.

But volunteers claim the setback will not stop them from keeping the Pets’ Corner dream alive.

Spokesman Henry Pimentel said: “It’s very sad that this has happened but we’ll have to look at other steps we can take.

“We’ve just achieved official charitable status and everything was going nicely for us.

“So for this to happen is a blow and I’d say it’s a disaster for the community as a whole, but it won’t stop us from achieving our goal.”

The old restaurant building, which stood behind Ayr College, was set to be torn down by Dawn Construction and moved to the new Pets’ Corner site at Belleisle.

Plans had been drawn up for its reconstruction as an educational centre at the new-look complex.

But the fire, which took more than five hours to bring under control, has destroyed those efforts.

Jim Smith, commander at Ayr fire station, revealed: “At the height of the fire, there were four appliances and 15 firefighters tackling the blaze.

“Because it was an old wooden building it took longer to bring under control.

“There was a poor supply of water in the surrounding area and for a while we had to take some from the burn.”

The cause of the blaze, which started at 11.20pm on Monday, October 27, is being investigated.

South Ayrshire Council leader Hugh Hunter said: “I understand that police and fire service investigations into the fire are ongoing and we are in close contact with them on the outcome of their findings.

“It is clearly a huge disappointment to the volunteers who give their time to the Pets’ Corner project and I am sure that they will be considering what alternative opportunities are open to them.”