Hotel open again after devastating death blaze

More than 50 staff have returned to work this week at the Barcel Harrogate Majestic where 88 out of the 170 bedrooms have reopened along with most of the public areas.

General manager Vince Johnson said yesterday: "It's fantastic to have the team back and we are thrilled to be re-opening the hotel in time fortheautumn season, always popular withbusiness and leisure guests.

"We already have lots ofbookingsfrom our regular guests pleased to see us open again. The hotel suffered extensive fire and water damage to a narrow section oftheeast wingbut pleasingly we are able to reopenthe central and west wing.

"We havetaken the opportunity while the hotel has been shut to redecorate and newly carpet the lobbyandmost of the magnificent public areas." He went on: "InNovember we are hoping that local craftsman Lee Simone will have finished restoring the celebrated murals in the North and South Lounges.We will re-open the sumptuous main dining room in all its glory in time for Christmas parties and weddings."

Therenovation of the damaged section is expected to be completed by April, restoring the hotel to its former glory.

Charles Prew, chief executive officer of Barcel UK, added: "We are very proud of how well the team from the Majestic have coped with this unfortunate situation and deeply grateful to both local business and individuals who have been so supportive of our efforts."

But he underlined that the return to work has also been tinged with sadness due to the death in the fire on May 5 of Nigel Butterfield, 41, whose body was found in his room in the staff quarters on the building's fifth floor.