Diner's race to open again

A popular Cannock restaurant is battling to get back in business following a devastating arson attack.

Bosses opened the doors of OK Diner to update the Express & Star how things are coming on in the efforts to get it ready to re-open its doors in the New Year.

The inside of the themed restaurant on the A5 at Bridgtown has been completely stripped out, leaving only the frame so that workers can get started on giving it a new look.

OK Diners Managing Director Ian Hendy said several loads of rubbish had been removed in skips and the new restaurant would start taking shape soon.

He said: "There has been a lot of work and we are determined to get it reopened as soon as possible.

"It will have a different look and I'm sure customers will be really pleased with it.

"It was destroyed and a complete mess after the fire. But, now that the inside has been cleared out, things will start moving quickly."

Updates on the work are being posted on the company's website after customers hungry for information emailed asking what was going on.

A team has been working on the first stage to strip out the building ready for all windows to be replaced and new lighting installed.

Bosses are also busy finding memorabilia from the 1950s and 1960s that will go inside.

The management team from Cannock's branch is currently helping with a new diner in Derby as the restaurant will be revamped in a similar style.

The fire happened in the early hours of August 6. Detectives investigating the fire have confirmed it was started maliciously. Nobody has been arrested in connection with the fire.

By Michelle Pearson