JUST one week after the devastating fire at Blooms Garden Centre, the determined team are reopening to their loyal customers from this weekend and creating some festive cheer.

The garden centre team on Newport Road, St Mellons, have been working tirelessly to set up shop outside the centre for customers to buy real Christmas trees and wreaths.

Last Wednesday night South Wales Fire and Rescue attended a huge blaze at the centre which was still smouldering into late Thursday. The fire engulfed a large part of the garden centre, leaving nothing but a shell.

Firefighters were able to contain the flames, to stop them spreading to nearby houses or the pet store adjacent to the garden centre. No people or animals were hurt.

Michael Greenwood, manager of Blooms, said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome our local customers. The team were distraught after the fire, particularly as they had worked hard to create our famous Christmas displays and Father Christmas grotto.

“We have strived to recreate some of the magic from the centre and will have free cups of tea and coffee on the go for all our customers who come along. We have battled through adversity to be able to sell our real trees and wreaths which have always been popular with our local customers.”

Last week, high winds fanned the flames, making the fire service’s job even more difficult. The majority of the garden centre was totally destroyed while three units to the right, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, PamPurred pets and PandonHome, were all secure but without power on Thursday.

The remains are still under investigation and no formal conclusion has been made as to the fire’s cause, but staff will be welcoming visitors to the site this Saturday and Gardening Club members will get triple points on weekend purchases.