Monday, 21 September 2009

Article Two

High class jewellers involved in insurance scam

BRADLEY’S of Harrogate suffered at the hands of a terrible fire on the 22nd August of this year. The delay reopening of the store has created speculation that the fire was an insurance scam and fire investigators are currently investigating the fire further. One month on and refurbishment of Bradley’s has still not commenced and their website www.bradleysofharrogate.co.uk has temporarily been shut down.
The store has been up and running since the 1970’s but has been struggling recently due to the current economic situation. An anonymous source said “It may have been in Bradley’s interests for the fire to occur because of the current financial climate people are less willing to part with their money. Bradley’s operates in a Niche market and charges high prices for their luxurious items which people simply cannot afford.”
The fire broke out in Bradley’s basement and fire engines form Harrogate and Knaresborough rushed to the scene to battle the fire after being alerted by staff members, they had been evacuated as quickly as possible along with the staff from the buildings on either side of the store. The fast actions of the fire services meant they were able to control the incident and the fire was confined to the rear of the building in an area of about 10m by 5m meaning there was little damage caused in the building which has historic value.
People are beginning to wonder why Bradley’s is taking so long to reopen given the small scale of the damage. The anonymous source said “it certainly looks like it could be an insurance scam to help them with their money struggles.” The management of Bradley’s refused to comment on the fire and accusations.
If the investigation proves that the fire was an insurance scam then matters will ne handed over to the police who will deal with the situation.

Tiffany Jackson

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