THE family who watched in horror as their business come crashing to the ground in Lancaster's Penny Street three weeks ago have vowed they will return. The Barnes family - the heartbroken owners of Outdoor Pursuits - told the Citizen that Penny Street was a prime town centre spot for their thriving business and they plan to go back there as soon as possible. But now they are embroiled in a lengthy legal process to find out who is liable for the accident, which left planks and rubble strewn across the town's main thoroughfare. The family fear it could be many months before their shop is restored.

Terry Barnes, who jointly runs the business with his son Chris, said: "We just don't know what's going on at the moment but we definitely want to move back to Penny Street where there's always plenty of passing trade."

About £90,000 worth of stock was damaged in the accident. These and other items which were on order are currently being kept in storage.

Investigations are under way to see if the the former Direct Carpet Tiles shop will also have to be pulled down. If not, the Barnes family say they may even consider moving into those premises instead.

Cllr Jean Yates, leader of the economic development committee, said she wanted to see the devastation on Penny Street cleared up as soon as possible.

She told the Citizen: "It looks a mess and it's something an historic town could well do without."

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