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Morrisons fire: Temporary store opens in Cheriton Road, Folkestone

Almost a month on since a fire ripped through a supermarket, a temporary store is opening today.

The interim Morrisons store on Cheriton Road in Folkestone will open at 9am this morning.

It will be based in the car park of the main store which was destroyed in the blaze on Thursday, November 8.

The roof of the supermarket collapsed. Picture: Daisy Philpott
The roof of the supermarket collapsed. Picture: Daisy Philpott

The building went up in flames after a deep fat fryer in the store's cafe is believed to have caught alight.

More than 50 firefighters attended the scene at its peak and fortunately, there were no injuries.

The temporary store, set to be located in the bottom left of Morrisons' car park, will be around 10,000 sq ft in size, with enough Morrisons stock for a weekly shop as well as Christmas products.

It will include fridges, freezers, signage, checkouts and 'everything that customers would expect from a supermarket'.

It has also applied for an alcohol license.

Building on the temporary Morrisons in Folkestone begins (5631473)
Building on the temporary Morrisons in Folkestone begins (5631473)

The new structure is around 50m long, 20m wide and 10m high.

White metal girders make up the frame with a plastic canvas as the roof.

The company previously confirmed that they will address plans to rebuild the permanent store 'in time'.

KentOnline reporter Sean Axtell is at the opening of the temporary store this morning providing live updates.

9.55am

Store manager Andy Parkinson talks the about the new interim store.

9.53am

Take a look around some of the new aisles in the temporary store.

9.44am

Morrisons have donated hampers to Kent Fire and Rescue Service as a thanks - as well as making donations to the Red Cross and Rapid Relief Team.

9.40am

We'd like to thank customers and colleagues for their continued support over the past few weeks. We'd also like to thank the 50 firefighters who responded bravely and quickly to the fire, and Folkestone and Hythe District Council for their help in getting this store up and running. We'd also like to thank residents and the Three Hills Sports Park who have also been very helpful as we've built this temporary store. - Andy Parkinson, Folkestone Morrisons store manager

9.34am

Store manager Andy Parkinson, who has worked for the company for 27 years, reveals the new store should be built within 12 months.

Andrew Parkinson gives speech at the opening (5807726)
Andrew Parkinson gives speech at the opening (5807726)

9.27am

The outside of the temporary store with full signage

The outside of the new temporary store in Cheriton, Folkestone (5807717)
The outside of the new temporary store in Cheriton, Folkestone (5807717)

9.22am

Here's what the store looks like inside

The inside of the new store (5807724)
The inside of the new store (5807724)
The inside of the new store (5807721)
The inside of the new store (5807721)
The inside of the new store (5807719)
The inside of the new store (5807719)

9.15am

Mayor Cllr Ann Berry with employee Debra Reed cutting the ribbon, alongside store manager Andy Parkinson.

Mayor Cllr Ann Berry, worker Debra Reed and store manager Andrew Parkinson (5807347)
Mayor Cllr Ann Berry, worker Debra Reed and store manager Andrew Parkinson (5807347)

9.13am

Jackie York from Cheriton has worked at the store for 20 years ,when it was originally Safeway.

Sat behind the tills, she said: "It feels absolutely brilliant to be here in the hot seat.

"I'm really excited to see the old members of staff and customers. "

Jackie York from Cheriton back on tills at the temporary store (5807345)
Jackie York from Cheriton back on tills at the temporary store (5807345)

9.10am

Theresa Hills has worked at the Folkestone Morrisons store for 13 years.

She said: "It feels lovely to be back. I have really missed it - they managed to get all the stock in in 48 hours!"

Morrisons employee Theresa Hills (5807343)
Morrisons employee Theresa Hills (5807343)
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