A BARBER whose business was threatened by fire has praised the community spirit which helped keep him open for business.

Firefighters tackled a serious flat fire in Orpington High Street on Friday evening (April 9) and flames, smoke and water also damaged Blades Barbers underneath the burning apartment.

Despite a warning from firefighters he would struggle to open within a fortnight, owner Steve Blackwell enlisted the help of friends, family and passers-by over the weekend to make sure he was open as usual yesterday morning (April 12).

The 31-year-old said: “When I first came down here after the fire I thought my business was gone.

“There was water pouring out of the ceiling and the electrics had gone. I remember I was shaking like a leaf.”

The father-of-two from Bickley added: “The fireman said it would take me two weeks to open but I said ‘I’ll be open on Monday morning’.”

News Shopper: The shop was damaged by smoke and water

Four fire engines from Sidcup and Orpington stations were called to the fire at 9pm and the road was closed between Perry Hall Road and Court Road until 4am the following morning (April 10).

Mr Blackwell, who has been running Blades Barbers for four-and-a-half years, says his parents, in-laws, friends and even passers-by helped him clear up the mess, replace roof tiles and install new lights.

“There was a real community spirit,” Mr Blackwell explained.

“I’m a very relieved man.”

His wife Christine, 27, added: “Steve came home after the fire and had to have a whisky. It was a real shock.”

News Shopper: The fire raged in the flat above Blades Barbers

Police arrested a 35-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman at the scene of the fire on suspicion of arson.

Unemployed Denise Cooley, of High Street, Orpington, has now been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

The 46-year-old was due to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The 35-year-old man was released without charge.