The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Funeral directors back in business after blaze
Dundee firm is operating from temporary parlour ahead of results of building assessment
Fire-ravaged Affertons Funeral Care has reopened for business following a “tumultuous” two weeks.
The funeral parlour, on Dundee’s Clepington Road, suffered extensive damage after a blaze took hold in neighbouring takeaway China China, on January 4.
Staff were left uncertain of their position while investigations into the cause were carried out.
Firefighters took almost five hours to dampen the flames, after which a joint police and fire services investigation ruled out foul play.
Paul Craigie, a funeral director at Affertons, said local businesses helped them get back on their feet and they opened a temporary parlour at 18 West Marketgait on Monday.
He said: “It’s been a very stressful few weeks for us but we’re delighted to be back up and running, thanks to generous offers of local businesses who helped us.
“We’re very grateful for their support. We expect to be in the position for a few months so we don’t know what we would have done without them.”
An assessment will take place tomorrow to determine the full scale of the damage at Clepington Road.
As firefighters fought to contain the flames the roof collapsed, leaving a huge hole above the takeaway and Affertons.
It is understood the fire spread so quickly to the adjacent buildings because of the thin partition walls.
The funeral director’s long-term plans are unclear as the premises look likely to be demolished.
Mr Craigie added: “We haven’t got any further forward with the premises on Clepington Road.
“I have been told that the building is looking quite unstable and will likely have to be demolished, which isn’t ideal.
“There will be an assessment on Friday to determine what happens next but I have been told it’s not looking good.
“Since it’s looking like the store is unsalvageable we have been looking at the long-term plan and we’re interested in the vacant House of Pisces on Strathmartine Road as it is very spacious.”
Mr Craigie previously revealed his relief that there had been no bodies inside the parlour when the fire hit.
Previously cremated remains were safely recovered safely by fire services.
I have been told that the building is looking quite unstable. PAUL CRAIGIE