Livelihoods are slowly being rebuilt after a devastating fire.

Tenants of St Michael’s Trading Estate have rallied together to co-ordinate efforts to assess how the fire, which engulfed the Edwards building on Saturday, July 7, has affected all businesses on the estate.

There has been a huge surge of public support and offers of help from the people of Bridport, and further afield, and tenants are in the process of setting up the St Michael’s Fire Fund.

Money raised from community fundraising initiatives and direct donations to support all the affected businesses will go to the fund.

Some workplaces have been destroyed by the fire and others are currently unusable. Those based at the estate say trade has been impacted across the estate.

A Facebook campaign has already been set up for the artists who have lost their studios, which will provide immediate help with materials and equipment. The new St Michael's Fire Fund is being set up with a longer-term view for all the diverse businesses on the estate affected either directly or indirectly by the fire. Amongst the urgent needs that have been identified are: support in making insurance claims and providing new working premises for those severely affected, including the six tenants of studio five who lost everything in the fire.

St Michael’s tenants say they are 'heartened' by the generosity and goodwill of the community. An 'In Conversation' event with Claudio Munoz at Bridport United Reform Church tonight will donate all proceeds to the fund; Bridport Folk Festival is planning music events and other groups and individuals are organising everything from plant sales to art exhibitions. All of this will contribute to a single fund to aid all tenants affected by the fire to rebuild their businesses and bring trade back to the site.

Cllr Sarah Williams, leader of Bridport Town Council, said: “Our thoughts are with the artists and businesses who have been so badly affected. The town council knows what a difficult time this must be for all concerned, and we are anxious to provide any help we can - particularly to see if alternative temporary accommodation can be found for those affected. Their work is very much valued by the town and I hope we will see them all back up and running very soon.”

Many of St Michael’s small businesses, including retail outlets, makers and artists are still open and welcoming customers. The monthly Vintage Market on the July 29 will go ahead as planned.

For more information, search 'St Michael’s Fire Fund' on Facebook. Queries and offers of support can be directed to stmichaelsfirefund@gmail.com