Travel firm 'overwhelmed' by support after fire

A family-run coach travel company's owners said they have been "overwhelmed" by support after a huge fire destroyed three of their vehicles.

Ben Maxfield, director of Maxfield's Travel in Rotherham, said operators from across the UK had offered them free coaches, while "very loyal customers" were still booking trips to show their support.

Maxfield's, in Aughton, runs around 500 excursions a year across the UK, Ireland and Jersey.

The company said it was still "open for business" despite the fire on Friday morning, and would still celebrate its centenary later this year.

Maxfield's was founded in 1926 by Ben Maxfield's great-grandfather, He now runs the company with his parents and said they were being "proactive and pragmatic" to honour bookings as planned.

The fire had been "a rather strange and overwhelming experience".

"For the community of Sheffield and Rotherham to reach out and want to show their support for a heritage brand like Maxfield's is fantastic," he said.

"Even other coach companies reaching out to offer help is really wonderful."

Maxfield said he was on his way back from Japan on Friday lunchtime when he heard about the fire.

"I turned my phone on to all these messages, my mum and dad were back here trying to sort out the mess, I was in the car back from Heathrow trying to manage it on the phone."

Three coaches and an outbuilding were destroyed but Maxfield said the main depot was undamaged and tour companies from the Lake District, London and north east had all been in touch to offer support.

"That's what's been most emotional," he said.

"We've got a very loyal fanbase. People were very, very worried."

Maxfield said repairs would start as soon as the fire investigators and insurance assessors on site had finished.

Day trips, school buses and university transport were still running with the eight undamaged coaches in the fleet.

"We're very much open for business," Maxfield said.

"People are very upset, phoning to check we're OK and booking future trips."

Maxfield said the staff were "like family" and also needed support.

One driver was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation after trying to extinguish the blaze.

"One of the drivers who lost his coach was very upset. He feels very, very passionately about it," Maxfield said.

"We've got to be there for the team, look after them, because they're so passionate about their jobs."

He added that the fire disrupted "big surprises" for the centenary, but "making the news was not one of them!"

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