Response to devastating Great Yarmouth fire delights councillor

The aftermath of a major fire which has destroyed the Regent Road superbowl and indoor market in the centre of Great Yarmouth.The view from the fire service crane.Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2016)

A blaze ripped through the Great Yarmouth indoor market and Regent bowling alley in Regent Road last Friday, destroying both facilities.

After a week of clearing up the site, the safety fencing around the site has now been pushed back and tourists can walk the full width of the busy shopping street again.

Penny Carpenter, deputy leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said she was absolutely delighted at how people had rallied together since the fire. Speaking about the Great Yarmouth Inferno Appeal, a collaboration between the Norfolk Community Foundation, the EDP and the Great Yarmouth Mercury, she said it had been a resounding success after it was announced that fund raisers were almost half way towards their target.

'I'm absolutely delighted. We are a very strong community in Great Yarmouth – whatever the people who say the town is not a nice place think.'

Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis said: 'It is good to see such community spirit looking to support those affected by the fire. I hope the money can go to support the staff who work at the affected businesses and who will be hard hit until businesses can get trading again.

'I have met with the owner as well as council this week and everyone is working to find the best venue or venues to see the traders having the chance to be trading again ASAP.

'Again Great Yarmouth has shown its resolute spirit to keep going and welcoming visitors to our wide range of fantastic attractions across the borough in this summer season.'

Do you have memories of the indoor market or Regent bowling alley? Email words and pictures to george.ryan@archant.co.uk