RCR still in operation

DESPITE the fire that destroyed its premises and its machinery and stock, River Canal Rescue (RCR) is still in business and attending to its customers who find themselves in difficulty and need its services.

It was the fire at the adjoining premises, a fireworks store, (RCR staff's terrifying explosion experience) on the 30th October that wiped out the business, with its staff only just managing to escape.

Temporary office

It has now set up a temporary office, from which the business is being run, with both its emergency and general enquiry lines diverted to mobiles, with the main switchboard number 01785 785680.

All mail is being re-directed to the new location so correspondence can continue to be posted to RCR at 10 Tilcon Avenue, Baswich, Stafford ST18 0YJ or Freepost NAT 11249, Stafford, Staffordshire ST17 0BR.

Up and running

Despite the stores and offices being gutted, Managing Director Stephanie Horton is confident the breakdown and assistance firm will be up and running as before by Spring—in time for the start of the boating season, and tells us:

"The fire wiped out stock we'd built up since 2000- refurbished items and pieces of equipment which are no longer produced. However, we've started ordering base levels of stock so we can tick over and once we move into more permanent premises, we'll be able to build upon these. We would welcome donations of any parts that need refurbishing to help us build the essential stocks needed to support our customers.

"Thankfully, essential items such as fan belts and filters etc are held in our engineers' vans so we can still supply these items very quickly. Where replacement parts need sourcing, it's likely to take two to three days longer than usual to supply, but we will endeavour to provide an uninterrupted service where we can.

"Although these are difficult times, we have contingency plans in place and a fantastic team to ensure the business continues running. This coupled with the goodwill of the boating community gives me confidence for the future and I thank everyone for their messages of support."

New premises

The team will not return to its original location as the area is being bull-dozed. Stephanie is therefore keen to hear from anyone who has a canal-side property in the Staffordshire area to rent.