WHEN Thomsons Smash Repairs owner Chris Holliday arrived at work last Monday morning his fears were realised.
The severe storm that battered Bunbury overnight had ripped free a 20 foot section of roof from his paint shed, roller doors protecting cars waiting for repair sat mangled on their runners and rain had soaked the business’ interior.
Mr Holliday, who took over the established smash repairer in 2012, said his heart sank as he inspected the damage.
“I walked in and said ‘Jesus Christ this is like Armageddon,’” Mr Holliday said.
But it was what happened next that suprised him most.
After a call to Bunbury insurance company Nexus Risk Services, local building contractor crew BG Grieve immediately took control of the scene, bringing in an electrician and roller door repairman.
He said by 3pm his shop was “water tight, safe and secure.”
“I was absolutely over the moon with their effort – it was a very bad weather-wise and they still stayed up on the roof while it was raining and blowing away,” he said.
A number of cars in the business were damaged during the storm. But Mr Holliday said the level of understanding shown by his customers had been exceptional.
“I don’t think people are often complimentary of the things that we experience in life and this was a very good effort from the community and Bunbury busineses.”
Although temporary repairs have been made the business still needs about $100,000 of repairs.
But Mr Holliday said he was simply grateful for the help he had received in a “dark hour.”
