Fire-hit Gordonstone Paving Products & Landscape Services in Huntington set to close (From York Press)

Fire-hit Gordonstone Paving Products & Landscape Services in Huntington set to close

8:17am Thursday 1st October 2009 in

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A PAVING firm which was devastated by an arson attack almost two years ago is closing down.

Gordonstone Paving Products & Landscape Services, based at the Barfield Industrial Estate in New Lane, Huntington, York, has served both the trade and the public for 16 years.

Its proprietor, Simon Gordon, said today that with “deep sadness and after careful consideration” he had decided to shut it down.

He said the fire of October 2007, coupled with the economic downturn, had made it increasingly difficult to compete with the overseas markets and imports.

“The loss during the fire and burglary cost the firm over £160,000,” he said. “I have invested a large amount of money to keep the firm afloat, and I am proud to say we close with dignity and with all our suppliers paid up to date.”

He said that if he did not receive an offer for the business, he would sell the assets and the last firm of its type in York would close forever.

“I would like to thank our suppliers, The Press and our customers for the loyal support they have shown, and thank the employees who have worked for us over the years,” he said.

“I look back with satisfaction when I see the local lads we trained doing so well for themselves after serving their time with Gordonstone. I have had a great time running a bespoke service in a great city.”

The paving stone business was wrecked after an arson attack on a lawnmower repair shop next door spread to the production area, where vibrating tables and rare York stone moulds were destroyed.

Mr Gordon, who said the arsonists were never caught, brought the plant back into production – only to be hit by the downturn in the building trade.

He then launched a separate business, Celtic Spirit, a mobile travelling bar which is taken out to a range of venues. He said today that this business had become a big success, and would continue.