Work to start on rebuilding site of Masons Gin fire

The blaze at Masons Yorkshire Gin distillery at Aiskew, Bedale in April caused massive damage to the site at the rear of Aiskew Spar and Garage. Fire crews from all over the area battled to ensure the blaze did not spread to the attached Chonka MOT and repair centre as well as the garage forecourt and petrol pumps.

Now the Gill family, owners of the site said work is due to start on rebuilding.

Carol Gill said: "We are so pleased to have been able to award the contract to local builders. The fire was dreadful, and we’re so grateful to the Fire and Rescue crews for all their hard work. Now that the insurance and loss adjustors have finished their investigations we can get on with the important job of rebuilding and looking to the future. We are delighted that this will be a benefit to the Bedale economy and also to welcoming Masons Yorkshire Gin back to the rebuilt unit."

A statement from Masons Yorkshire Gin said: “Since the fire on the 2nd of April, with considerable support from our insurance company, our efforts have been focussed on business continuation and recovery.

"We are delighted to hear that the property owner should soon be in the position to begin the project to rebuild the premises using local contractors and tradespeople."

Tenders for the work have been awarded to Bedale businesses Steve Walker of S and J W Construction Ltd who will be working with Dave Gilpin and Andrew Garner.

Dan Brumfitt of Feather, Smailes and Scales Property will be overseeing the work. He said: "It is a question of rebuilding the distillery site, it was so badly damaged we have to completely demolish and rebuild the property and we want to do it with the minimum of disruption particularly to the neighbouring Chonka motoring services who have carried on trading. It will be a huge bonus to get this building back up and running."

Work is due to start shortly with completion due before the end of the year.