November 18, 1955

A REDDITCH fire engine racing to a fire in Evesham Street on Tuesday damaged its rear mudguard when it tugged against the wire safety fencing on the corner of Evesham Street and Market Place.

It arrived at the scene of the fire - T P and M Bagley ladies hairdressers - to find the fire had already be brought under control by a pumped water tender from the brigade.

The fire was at the rear of the premises and was confined to a small drying room used for towels employed in the business.

10 per cent of the structural woodwork of the drying room and almost 60 towels, many of them brand new, were destroyed in the fire which it is understood was caused by the towels catching fire from a slow combustion valve in the room.

Supervising and salvaging the towels after the fire, the proprietress said that only about eight towels had been saved, and that was only due to them being in use.

The firm was without the necessary number of towels to cope with the days appointments, she said, and she would have to contact the supplier immediately.