Independent businesses in Stourbridge have opened their doors to support families affected by the devastating wildfires that tore through the area on Thursday, August 13, destroying 19 homes and damaging 18 others. From a gym offering showers to a pub providing a safe space, local enterprises are stepping up to help the community rebuild.
Gym Offers Showers and Comfort
Black Country Barbell, a gym on Talbot Street in Stourbridge, has welcomed those affected by the fires to use their showers and changing facilities. The facilities are available between 9am and 5pm on weekdays, with no booking required.
Liam Hargreaves, a manager at the gym, said: “Community has always been at the heart of everything we try to do. When the fire broke out, and we saw the impact it had on families across Stourbridge, we wanted to offer whatever support we could.”
“Opening up our showers and changing facilities was a very simple thing for us to do, but for someone who has lost their home or been displaced, being able to have a warm shower, get clean, and have somewhere to go could give a small bit of comfort during an incredibly difficult time. We know it’s only a small gesture compared to what some families are going through, but this is exactly when communities need to come together.”
Pub Provides a Place to Feel Looked After
The Cock ‘N’ Bull, a popular pub on the high street, took to social media to offer those affected a place to “feel looked after for a little while.” Co-owner David Salmon described the scene as “absolutely devastating to see what was happening across Stourbridge.”
“We realised very quickly just how serious it was, particularly when some of our own team were being asked to leave their homes, and there was so much uncertainty about what was going to happen next,” he said. The team offered those affected or evacuated “somewhere they could come, sit down, take stock of everything, charge their phones, and have something to eat and drink.”
“We’ve had a few people come in over the last few days, and we’ve been really glad that we could give them somewhere to feel safe and supported during such a worrying time. We’re a local independent business, and Stourbridge is our community. When something like this happens, you just want to do whatever you can to look after the people around you.”
Tearoom and Pet Store Lend a Hand
The Sugar Loaf, which opened in the Ryemarket last year, welcomed those directly affected by the fires inside, offering breakfast, a hot drink, or somewhere to sit. In a social media post, it said: “We had offered to host a breakfast morning today for those affected, but after speaking with the council, they reassured us that people were well supported and there was enough being provided. Yesterday we were able to make up a few platters for some of the incredible volunteers at the Town Hall instead. Just a very small way we could help.”
The award-winning tearoom has vowed to help in any way they can, urging volunteers or those affected to get in touch. Beyond the town centre, The Big Pet Store in Halesowen offered dog food, cat food, treats, blankets, and bowls “to help local pet owners affected by the fire.”
A spokesperson said: “We know that many people in the area have pets and, with some families having to leave their homes at short notice, we wanted to make sure they had access to some of the essential supplies they might need. It was an especially worrying time for us as we have many customers living in the area, as well as members of our own team. A huge thank you to Arron, Sarah, and Adam from Tonks Property, who kindly stepped in to collect the supplies from us and deliver them to Stourbridge.”
Many other businesses have echoed similar offers of support across social media as the community in Stourbridge begins to deal with the aftermath of the blaze.
