Waitrose Banstead offers reward for information about fire (From Your Local Guardian)

Waitrose Banstead offers reward for information about fire

4:00pm Friday 20th November 2009

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Waitrose is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for evidence leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for the fire at its Banstead store.

The move comes as the retailer prepares to re-open the store on the High Street on November 26.

Waitrose director of retail sales, Graham Heald, said: “We have been working very closely with the fire and police services and would like to thank them for their invaluable support throughout their investigation into the cause of the fire.

"It has been a challenging time for everyone involved, and I would again like to thank the community for their understanding.”

An extensive investigation to find the cause of the fire has been carried out by Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue.

Anyone who can provide information regarding how the fire started is urged to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The fire, on December 12 last year, completely destroyed the building after the blaze swept through the store, sending flames through the roof.

Four firefighters were injured when a gas cylinder exploded and tiles shot more than 100 yards smashing the windows of nearby shops.

Eventually more than 100 firecrew were called to the 15 hour fight against the inferno.

Roads were closed and residents living nearby were evacuated to Banstead Baptist Church.

Later a detailed forensic examination was carried out to determine the cause of the fire.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council rushed through the planning process to allow a speedy rebuild and the new store will open at 8am on Thursday, November 26.

There will be more parking spaces – 172 compared to 137 before, a wider range of goods, customer toilets and refreshments will be available.

The store will be 3,000 sq ft larger than the original store.

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