Couple in pledge to rebuild fire-hit Shropshire pub
[gallery] The bosses of a pub devastated by fire have today spoken of their determination to rebuild it – and to save as much of the historic building as possible.
Much of the Tayleur Arms in Longdon Upon Tern, near Telford, has been reduced to ash after a huge blaze ripped through the pub last week.
The roof has almost completely gone, walls are unstable and even metal girders have bent due to the phenomenal temperatures.
Landlords Richard and Eve Harvey have been left homeless and have lost almost all of their possessions.
But the couple, who are living in a caravan loaned to them by friends, are determined to bring the Tayleur Arms back to its former glory.
Early estimates are that it will cost £1.2 million to rebuild the pub, which is owned by Enterprise Inns.
Mr Harvey, 42, said: "I'd like to think that we will have a say in what is built. I hope that it is what the villagers want, which is a country pub in keeping with the area.
"At the moment they don't know whether they'll have to knock down the whole building or if any part of it can be saved.
"It could collapse at any time. When it is windy we have heard bricks falling off. But if any of it can be saved, we will do that because it is so historic. Parts are 300 years old."
Almost a week on and investigations are still ongoing to determine what caused the fire which started in the laundry room. Mr Harvey said a tea towel on a dryer appears to be the culprit.
Everything inside was lost, including hundreds of brass nick-nacks and ornaments donated by regulars over the years.
Mr Harvey said: "We'll try to recreate that olde worlde feel. Words can't describe what we've lost. It was part of the community."
Mr and Mrs Harvey managed to escape the blaze in their night clothes along with their son Elliott, 14, seven guests and their dog.
Since then they have been living on the generosity of friends and neighbours.
Mr Harvey said: "I can't thank people enough. Our neighbours, Bernard and Jeanette, have helped us so much that words cannot describe."
But while most people have jumped to the aid of the Harveys, thieves took tools from the building just hours after the fire.
Mr Harvey said: "To do that is disgraceful."
Meanwhile, a market stall in Wellington is collecting cash and everyday items to help the Harvey family. Donations can be made at Chelsea Flowers in Wellington Market.
Jenny Davies, who is organising the collection, said: "My son Jack has been training as a chef in the Tayleur and thinks the world of Eve and Richard. Anything we can do to help is good. "
