Should Bonnybridge businesses fear potential arsonist?
12 January
A series of fires in Bonnybridge has apparently led to community fears that arsonists might be targeting local businesses.
However, s1bonnybridge spoke to a local shop owner, who said that businesses in the area should not be alarmed.
The business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told s1bonnybridge: “I think it’s just rumours.
“I don’t think anybody would do anything to the businesses here because there’s folk living up the stairs so it would affect so many people.
“It’s probably just weans saying stuff because they’re bored, although I’ve not heard anything.
“None of the customers or the other shops on the road has mentioned it.”
The businessman also pointed out that even if there was a fire-raiser targeting Bonnybridge businesses, it would be hard for them to remain undetected.
He added: “Everybody knows each other so if, say a boy was to do something, one of the other young boys would find out and maybe say something.
“Nobody would get away with anything like that round here."
Another local shop manager, who also did not want to be named, told us: “I’ve not heard anything at all about any fires.”
Since the New Year, s1bonnybridge has reported on two blazes in the town – one at a joiner’s workshop on Broomhill Road; the other at Kismet Takeaway.
Whilst police have said that there is nothing to link the fires, the Falkirk Herald reported that there has been growing concern among the community that they might be deliberate.
Bonnybridge councillor William Buchanan told the paper: “Since the fire [at the workshop] a number of people in the local business community have contacted me to express their concern that an arsonist appears to be on the loose.
“They are worried that their business could be next.”
Do you think there’s an arsonist on the loose setting local businesses alight? Or do you think it’s just people worrying about nothing? Tell us what you think here at s1bonnybridge.
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