A family-run taxi business which had its office destroyed by an arson attack has seen almost £1,700 donated to it in an online campaign to get it back on its feet.
The office of C&H Travel UK, in Pen-Rhiw Terrace, Llanfach, near Abercarn, was completely destroyed by fire in the early hours of Saturday, August 20.
Owner Chris Hall, 56, who runs the firm with wife Helen and daughter Krystle, said he felt numb as he watched the building go up in flames after he was alerted to the deliberate fire.
He said: “At around 4.20am, one of my neighbours was banging on the door. I got dressed and when we got there it was well alight.”
With the neighbour’s help, Mr Hall managed to move two taxis parked outside of the office, but another was destroyed – as was the office, together with all of the business records and keys to the firm’s vehicles.
Mr Hall said: “We had been building the business for 17 years and everything that was in the office was lost. Records for bookings this year and next year are gone.
“We are hoping people will get in touch with us to confirm their bookings. We are just trying to deal with whatever comes.”
There is hope for the family-run business however, with an online campaign to raise funds to get it back up and running smoothly.
At time of press around £1,700 had been donated so far and the Hall family have been taken aback by people’s generosity.
Police are currently investigating the fire and CCTV footage from a nearby house may hold the key to catching the arsonists.
• Customers who have booked transport with C&H Travel UK are being asked to call the company on 01495 240688 to re-confirm.
Donations can be made online to the company at http://goo.gl/z7dLR6.