A POPULAR Accrington music shop could soon be re-opening its doors nine months after it was burned down in an arson attack.
The Music Box, on Whalley Road, was torched by firebugs back in April but its owner is aiming to have the repair work completed before Christmas.
Brian Grooby, 66, said: “We have been working on the shop since it was burned down.
“We originally hoped to have the work completed by 8 December but that is now looking unlikely. We are at the mercy of the builders.”
The attack destroyed £100,000-worth of equipment and saw Hyndburn’s main supplier of school musical instruments close down until other premises could be found.
Mr Grooby considered opening a temporary shop while the refurbishment work was being done but decided not to.
The fire, which started in a neighbouring property in Water Street, caused extensive damage to the shop and its roof.
Mr Grooby said the construction of the new roof was now complete and it was just waiting to be slated.
The next job for the shop is to place flooring and plaster the walls.
Mr Grooby added: “It may be a push to open for Christmas but we are really going to try.
“I have been enjoying my time as a retired man, but retirement is a personal thing that you must choose for yourself and not have pushed on to you by something like this.”
