By Mark Donaghy

A MAN who lost his livelihood when the Boulevard shopping arcade was destroyed by fire is desperately seeking a new job.

Steve Westwood, 32, is appealing to bosses in Leigh to employ him after the blaze wiped out Eddie's Shoe Repairs, where he had worked for 10 years.

Since the fire on August 8 the married father of one has not received a penny. He will not receive any redundancy and has to wait for his claim for benefits to be processed.

There is a possibility Eddie's Shoe Repairs could re-open in the town, but it would only be in many months' time and Steve needs an income for his family now.

He said: "I've been told I will have to wait for any benefits, but how can you wait when you have bills to pay? I have a three-year-old son I have to look after."

Steve said he would ideally like to continue repairing shoes and making keys, but would happily try anywhere at the moment.

He said: "I don't have any qualifications, but I worked hard for 10 years and was a really good time keeper. I'm enthusiastic and just want to work."

Steve said he still can not believe the Boulevard has gone.

He added: "It still doesn't feel real, it's only sinking in now. It's strange because it's all I've ever known.

"On the morning of the fire my work colleague Eddie Fogarty knocked on my door in tears and said the Boulevard had gone. We just hung around in the rain."

Steve's former boss said he would consider re-opening Eddie's Shoe Repairs in another part of Leigh, but has not indicated if or when that will take place.

In the meantime, if you can help Steve give The Journal a call on (01942) 670669.