THE company that owns the site of the York B&M store destroyed in a fire says it is working to "establish the next steps for the site".

As revealed on Wednesday, the blaze that destroyed the shop in Clifton Moor is not thought to be suspicious, firefighters have confirmed.

But investigations are continuing into the cause of the blaze, which started at around 4.30pm on Saturday.

Real estate investment trust NewRiver, which owns the land, said it was working closely with B&M to establish the next steps and timelines for the site.

NewRiver CEO Allan Lockhart said: “Most importantly, there were no casualties and for this I commend the rapid and expert response of the on-site B&M team and the local emergency services.

“We are working closely with B&M and our own team of advisors and specialists as part of the investigation.

“We will provide a further update in due course as we establish next steps for the site. NewRiver has comprehensive insurance and there is minimal financial impact to the business.”

Cllr Stuart Rawlings, who represents Rawcliffe and Clifton Without on City of York Council, said: “We thank the fire and rescue service for their continued effort throughout this incident.

“We offer our full support throughout the investigation and are ready to work with the land owner and B&M to figure out a way forward for the site.

“It is important that a solution is found for the site so that it can continue to be an area for opportunity that offers jobs to the residents in our city.”

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said he wanted to work with B&M to prevent any redundancies in the area.

He said: “I am ready to work with B&M, the landlords and the council to ensure that the site can be repaired and returned to normal as soon as possible.

“We want to make sure that there is no loss of employment opportunities in Clifton Moor.

“I am glad to hear that the B&M staff have been temporarily transferred to the Foss Island site, so they do not face undue disruption to their working routine.

“It is hugely reassuring to see our local fire brigade have the situation thoroughly in hand and are continuing their investigations.”

Police say that the fire is believed to have originated in the storage yard of the shop.

In a statement on Wednesday, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews are continuing to revisit the B&M site at Clifton Moor.

“Fire investigations are also continuing but at this stage we do not believe it to be suspicious.”

The fire service had 10 pumps, two aerial ladder platforms, two water browsers and a high volume pump at the scene as crews tackled the flames.