Dudley snooker hall arson: Neighbouring business devastated by fire
Thousands of pounds of damage have been caused to a bedroom and kitchen showroom in Dudley after a major fire which destroyed a neighbouring snooker club.
Businessman Mark Price has spoken of his shock after the blaze at Dudley Snooker Club wrecked his showroom and office..
Arsonists have been blamed for the blaze as flames tore through the snooker club, in Stafford Street, in the early hours of Sunday.
Bricks, masonry and other debris are still scattered across Stafford Street which has been closed since the blaze took hold.
Mr Price has spent recent days counting the costs of the damage at his business called Price2Beat which moved into the showroom around two years ago.
The 46-year-old father-of-two was called by the fire service to alert him to the fire. He arrived at the scene at 4.15am.
"At first it did upset me and I was gutted to be honest," he said.
"It has caused a fair bit of damage. It was a shock."
Flames are thought to have sent hot embers onto the building which have burned a hole through the roof into the showroom.
Debris is scattered throughout the showroom which had cost more than £10,000 to set up with examples of kitchens, bedrooms and an office.
Mr Price was allowed to look at the damage and quickly pick up any vital belongings and paperwork.
But since then the road has been cordoned off near the snooker club.
Mr Price, who has been a self-employed fitter for around 10 years, said he wanted to thank customers who were supporting him and urged people to still contact the business through the website www.price2beat.co.uk
"I have moved the business to my home while the damage is assessed," he said.
