Bakery inferno

An investigation is now underway to determine how the blaze started at Sunstart bakery on the Woodside Road which employs more than 40 people.

Seven fire appliances were called to the scene and some 50 firefighters worked for more than five hours to bring the blaze under control.

Group Commander Mark McGranaghan said the fire damaged the structure of the building, adding: “It was quite an intense fire at the earlier stages”.

Hubert Brown Kerr from the company described the devastation as ”a complete tragedy”, pointing out that Sunstart had “never been as busy”.

SDLP Councillor Declan O’Loan expressed his sympathy and support to Hubert Brown Kerr, stating: “Sunstart is a large and successful local bakery and this fire is most unfortunate.

“I hope that temporary measures can be put in place quickly to keep the business operating and that there will be full recovery before too long. Sunstart is an important local employer.

“It will be important too that there will be a thorough investigation of the cause of this very regrettable fire which has caused such serious damage.”

Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assembly candidate, said he hoped the business could be quickly relocated and the jobs of staff at the bakery saved.

And he congratulated the Fire Service on its efficiency in bringing the blaze under control.

He said: “Once again, the local Fire Service has to be praised for its efficient action. I hope that workers jobs will not be lost as a result of this blaze.”