A MUCH-LOVED Wirral bakery has reopened today (Monday, October 6) eight years after its premises were destroyed in a devastating explosion.
Around 200 customers lined along the street to buy their favourites pastries from Griffiths in New Ferry - a cherished family-run bakery known to many for its tasty custard tarts, sausage rolls and chicken and ham pies.
The business was among 15 businesses destroyed during the incident on March 25, 2017, when the Homes in Style furniture store exploded along Bebington Road.
Dozens of properties were destroyed, many businesses were closed and 81 people were injured.
The furniture shop's owner Pascal Blasio was jailed for 20 years in 2019 for causing what a judge described as an 'apocalyptic' explosion in a bungled insurance job.
Miraculously, no one was killed in the blast but one of the businesses that was impacted was Griffiths.
Griffiths was a popular feature of New Ferry for decades and new owners Fiona Griffiths and Ritchie Hyland say the business is set for a 'triumphant comeback' as it reopens in smaller premises a few doors away from its former home.
In a Facebook posting on Sunday (October 5), a spokesperson for the bakery said: “It’s the big day tomorrow, guys. Griffiths is officially back where it belongs in New Ferry after eight years.
“It was only right that we had the queen, Mrs Griffiths, cut the ribbon. Such a lovely day with family and friends.
“I hope myself and Fiona Griffiths will make her dad proud by carrying on Mr Griffiths legacy.
“We can't wait to welcome you all back after such a long time.”
Among those who were first in the queue were Tracy Woods, who worked for Griffiths' in its former premises and lives in New Ferry.
She told the Globe: "It's great that Griffiths has reopened; it's been so long. I went for the chicken and ham pies and steak pies. But because I was in the queue, the family gave me all their orders, which is why I've got a carrier bag full."
First through the door was Tracy's son Danny Wilson, also from New Ferry, who had queued since 7.30am.
Asked what he chose from the menu, Danny replied: "Chicken and ham pie, you've got to haven't you?
"I grew up in the area and have been waiting a long time for Griffiths to reopen. We're close family friends with Fiona Griffiths, so had to come and show our support."
Looking forward to welcoming customers back, Fiona - whose father David ran the business and was set to continue, but passed away at the age of 82 in January - told the Globe: "It's good to be back after, after a long eight years. I feel nervous and excited as well so it's mixed emotions."
Asked what people can expect when they come in to shop, Richie added: "All the famous pies, everything Mr Griffiths invented.
"He created a legacy, which made the name a famous name around here. Everyone's looking forward to getting chicken and ham pies or desserts again.
Asked what his favourite Griffiths pie was, Ritchie replied: "The most famous one, the chicken and ham pie. That's the biggest seller and was my favourite back in the day as well."
Ritchie said: "The blast was a major crime where one individual blew up half of New Ferry eight years ago destroying more than 80 businesses.
"New Ferry is still recovering now but new houses and apartments are currently being built which will regenerate the area and now we are also bringing back Griffiths.
"Hopefully, when all the area is redeveloped and all the precincts get done as well, we'll get a lot of footfall and more customers through the doors.
"Back in the day, we had a lot of people out to the area travelling through. A lot of people from Liverpool, Wales, all over. It would be great to see them return."
