A MUCH loved greengrocer has spoken of enduring a week from hell after he was burgled twice in 20 minutes and saw his shop gutted by a major fire.

Paul Bear, who runs Shirley Fruit and Veg, was left “emotionally exhausted” following a terrible seven days in which his business was severely damaged.

But now the community is rallying behind the 50-year-old, who has been providing products to the people of Shirley for years, by setting up a fundraising campaign to support him.

The double dose of disappointment started while Mr Bear, from Lordshill, was packing up his goods following a days trading earlier this month.

After going inside his premises on Shirley High Street, he returned to find that someone had stolen his money bag, filled with cash he had earned during the day.

Daily Echo:

While talking to nearby business owners to see if they had CCTV of the incident, Mr Bear then saw the man leave his shop with his mobile phone and charger in hand.

“It knocked it out of me, I’ll be honest,” Mr Bear said told the Daily Echo.

“I’m always helping people. I’m just a working class lad who has been there and done it, so I try and help as many people as I can, especially those on the streets.

“After that it made me suspicious of people walking past the shop. It’s been really draining.”

He added: “But that is insignificant really compared to what happened next.”

Days later, Mr Bear, who has operated from the premises for two years, was left counting the cost of suspected arsonists who set the flats above Paddy Power betting shop on fire.

Daily Echo:

His business is attached to the building, which is the site of the former Crown Pub, and as a result of last week’s blaze he estimates he has lost around £1,000 worth of goods as well as a complete loss of trading.

Mr Bear said: “I’ve not been allowed in because the structure of the building is being reviewed to see if it’s safe...I’ve got everything invested in that shop, it’s my only source of income.

“They’re working to make it safe but I really don’t know how long I will be out of it and whether I’ll ever be able to use the premises again.”

Mr Bear said around one million litres of water was used to clear the fire, which closed off the main road for hours, and that because the business is attached his premises has been drowned out and destroyed.

But when locals heard about Mr Bear’s plight, an online Go Fund Me page was set up to raise £350 for Mr Bear.

“It’s really hard to put it into words,” Mr Bear said.

“It does make you emotional knowing that so many people want to help me out.

“I can’t thank them enough but hopefully when I get back up and running again people can support my business.”

To support the campaign visit gofundme.com/zkxhpm-shirley-fruit-and-veg-stall online.