Short Bark and Sides Northwich suffers devastating fire

Lisa and Derren Alcock, owners of Short Bark and Sides Northwich, were ‘absolutely heartbroken’ and ‘in complete shock’ when their van – with their grooming equipment inside – caught fire last week on July 20.

It is suspected the fire was caused by something electrical, and although fire crews responded quickly, nothing could be saved.

Lisa said: “It's devastating, we just can't believe it.

“Derren and I started the business back in 2018 and have worked so hard to get to where we were, and we've made a great success considering what's happened in the previous years with the pandemic that’s hit so many small businesses hard.

“We had a fantastic customer base (always fully booked), most of which are great friends now.

“People have been amazing; friends and customers have shown us so much love and support, we are just completely overwhelmed.

“We hope that we can recover from this and get back out there to all our lovely customers, and most of all to the dogs that we love like our own and will truly miss.”

Short Bark and Sides covers Northwich and mid Cheshire, and all future appointments are cancelled.

Posting on social media shortly after the incident, Lisa and Derren added: “Cheshire Fire Service were amazing and got to us quickly but sadly nothing could be saved.

“Derren and I are physically fine, but we are absolutely heartbroken and in complete shock.

“We have spent the last four years building our little business and working really hard to make it a success.

“Obviously all future appointments are now cancelled.

“We just hope that we can recover from this and maybe at some point get something sorted and get back out to you all again, but we think there may be a long road ahead for us.

“Thanks to each and every one of you for all the support you have shown us personally and to the business over the years.

“We hope to see you all again soon."