THE owner of a popular indoor shopping arcade in Rubery has spoken of his devastation after a fire tore through the premises, forcing eight businesses to close.

Police and fire crews rushed to Father's Barn Market in New Road, Rubery, on Thursday, October 13, following a call to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service at 3.28am.

Two fire crews from Bromsgrove were sent to tackle the blaze while additional support from fire crews at Northfield and Kings Norton were supplied by West Midlands Fire Service.

Fire fighters used breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish the flames, while covering jets and a thermal imaging camera were also deployed to stop it from spreading.

The blaze is now being inspected by a fire investigation officer but is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, costing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Devastated landlord Ian Robinson, 42, who has been in charge for 12 months, said: "We have been told it was caused by an electrical fault.

"It has caused major damage and smoke damage to all of the building.

"We have eight established businesses here and other tenants too.

"For all the traders in the building it is absolutely devastating as it is their livelihood - it pays their bills and mortgages.

"I rang them this morning to let them know and they are just gobsmacked.

"It is the kind of thing you don’t hear. People do not expect this sort of thing. They asked ‘are you serious’? They are devastated. They have come into work today to ashes.

"It has cost tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage."

Attractions at the site include a children's play area, a café, a mobile phone repair shop, a computer repair shop, a florist, a sweets store, a party shop and a retro furniture store.

Mr Robinson is now appealing to the public to see if anybody can supply portable cabins to help house affected traders.

He added: "I’m hoping with the help of insurance and the local community we can get it working again.

"I am now appealing for any owners of portable cabins who would be prepared to lend us one free of charge while we get back on our feet.

"We have a car park which would be able to fit six or seven on."

Councillor for Rubery South Ward Christine McDonald added: "This is devastating for local businesses and Rubery High Street as a whole.

"These businesses have been working hard over the last few years to attract customers and gain a good reputation.  

"Unlike most high streets people have had the confidence to invest in Rubery which has improved the area immensely and this has come as a major blow to those investors.  

"This is the time of year businesses get ready for Christmas and they need every bit of help they can to make sure they can get through and recover."

Bromsgrove District Council has invited traders affected to contact them for support.

Leader of the council Councillor Geoff Denaro said: "This is terrible news and, with North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration Partnership, we will offer any support that we can to the businesses and traders who are affected."

Businesses can e-mail info@nwedr.org.uk or call 0845 601 5953.

Anyone able to supply a portable cabin should call Ian on 07779 301 879.