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Owners of 14-year-old hair salon say business is 'now gone' after huge fire
The owners of an independent High Wycombe hair salon have revealed their business ‘is now gone’ following a huge fire.
Rockit Hair, which sits along Desborough Road, was one of several businesses impacted by a blaze which began just before 6 am on Sunday, May 4 on Lansdales Road.
(Image: Iain Robertson)
In total, three car garages, a betting shop, two hairdressers (including Rockit Hair) and a bakery that was due to open later this month, were severely damaged.
READ MORE: In pictures: Smoke rises from large fire as emergency services rush to the scene
(Image: Ebby x/TikTok)
Firefighters from all over Buckinghamshire as well as Berkshire attended the scene, as Thames Valley Police cordoned off the area for roughly 12 hours.
(Image: James Richings)
Following the incident, a 43-year-old man from Buckinghamshire has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to arm.
He has been released on bail.
The owners of Rockit Hair, Edward and Ellie Reilly, are hoping to raise £2,400 to help rebuild their business.
(Image: Member of the public)
They said: “We are incredibly grateful to the High Wycombe and surrounding area fire brigade, whose rapid response ensured that, despite the scale of the fire, no lives were lost.
“Their bravery and professionalism prevented an even greater tragedy.
READ MORE: 'No casualties': fire service issue update on town centre blaze
“Our salon, which we’ve proudly run for 14 years, is now gone.
“Everything we built, our workspace, equipment, and livelihood, has been lost overnight.
“To make matters harder, the building itself was not insured, leaving us and others with no safety net.
“We are not alone in this.
“Our neighbours have also suffered heart breaking losses, people have been displaced from their homes and local businesses have been forced to shut their doors.”
READ MORE: Residents evacuated as seven fire crews fight town centre fire
At the time of writing, £1,495 has been raised to help the entrepreneurs with this figure expected to rise during the course of the week.
They added: “Any donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference.
“If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this page to help us reach as many people as possible.
“We’ve spent over a decade building relationships in our community and now we need that community more than ever.
(Image: James Richings)
“Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this devastating time.”
READ MORE: Mayor praises emergency response after huge fire in High Wycombe
On Google, Rockit Hair has an average score of 4.9/5 from 99 reviews, many of which are positive.
One reads: “Ellie and Ed are both such lovely people so welcoming and friendly.
“Ellie did an amazing job in my hair absolutely loved it she was confident with what she wanted to do as I said I would leave it to her and she achieved it.”
(Image: Iain Robertson)
READ MORE: Man, 43, arrested on suspicion of 'arson' in connection with town centre fire
Another reads: “Thank you to Ed for cutting Isa’s hair today.
“I called up in the morning to ask if he could kindly fit my three year old in, he was super accommodating.
"The guy is so good at cutting hair for kids."
To donate, go to Fundraiser by Ellie Reilly : Help Us Rebuild After Devastating Arson Fire.
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