Firefighters to officially open new B&M store – yards from the one that burned down

Owners of retail chain B&M wanted some very special VIPs to open their new store, just yards from the branch destroyed in a fire.

And who better than the firefighters who risked their life in tackling the terrible blaze at Clifton Moor last October.

The new shop will open on Thursday 7 February at 9am.

It has been created in the former Poundworld store on Stirling Road, Clifton Moor, across the road from the ill-fated shop.

The new staff were asked to nominate a local hero they think truly deserved some VIP treatment for the work they do for the community.

They chose the team from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, who will be taking centre stage to officially unveil the new B&M store, alongside the Mayor, Cllr Keith Orrell and Mayoress, Judith Orrel.

Big thank you

The firefighters helped control and put out the fire that broke out over the road on the same retail park in October, so the store team wanted to thank them for all their help.

In addition to opening the new store, the team will also receive £250 from the store to go towards the Fire Service charity.

Store manager Leanne North said:

• The team from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue really stood out for us, they go the extra mile for local people in the community on a daily basis.

  We wanted to give them some VIP treatment as a thank you for all the hard work they’ve done.
  

She added: “Our new colleagues have been working really hard to get the store ready for opening day, we can’t wait to get the doors open next Thursday and show customers their brand new B&M.”

The former Poundworld store has undergone an internal and external refurbishment programme and created 20 new jobs for local people.

B&M, which opened a city centre branch at Foss Islands Retail Park last September sells a wide variety of branded products including toys, food & drink, home ware, pet products, and health & beauty and seasonal range.