Oswestry shop owner says damage to shop front came at difficult time for local business
'Under one Roof' said they had to consider shutting for good
A business owner in Oswestry said he has had to consider closing his shop for good after it was damaged in a car crash.
'Under one Roof' on Beatrice Street was struck by a grey VW Tiguan on Sunday 27th April 2025 at around 11pm.
"The biggest question has been whether to call it a day"
The shop sells crafts from a number of different vendors in Shropshire, which have now suffered 'extensive damage'.
On social media, shop owner Thomas Shotton wrote: "In a year that has already been so tough on us, then to be hit by this, really has made me ask a lot of questions.
"The biggest one has been whether to call it a day…
"I know in my heart I want to be back and I WILL be back, it’s what I love doing! I LOVE community, I LOVE people's dreams and creations and I LOVE helping them get out there into the world," he said.
A week on...
Over a week on from the incident, 'Under one Roof' owner Thomas Shotton told us the reality still has not sunk in:
"This time last week looked very different. There is still a lot of work to do. The landlord is coming back tomorrow and then it will be insurance.
"There is just no time to process what has happened," he said.
"I was in floods of tears"
Thomas told us that the support from his family and the community has made a massive difference:
"When I first saw what had happened, I was in floods of tears. We were stood on all of the artist's work.
"My family just came in and cleared it up around me. I did not have to lift a finger to be honest," he said.
West Mercia Police said that they are looking for the two occupants of the car, with a registration ending in 'AYC'.
The pair fled the scene after the incident. The force said they are looking through CCTV footage and are making forensic examinations.
"We sympathise with the owners and those that work there and are doing everything possible to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible," said a spokesperson from West Mercia Police.