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Tunbridge Wells Osteopath clinic reopens after arson attack

An osteopathy business has reopened just days after suffering an arson attack.

The Atman clinic near Tunbridge Wells welcomed customers back on Monday following the blaze.

Geoffrey Montague-Smith
Geoffrey Montague-Smith
Firefighters battling the blaze. Picture: Geoff Montague-Smith.
Firefighters battling the blaze. Picture: Geoff Montague-Smith.

Four fire engines were called to fight the flames late last month which totally destroyed a shed in a communal refuse area, and a woman had to be rescued from one of the upstairs flats.

Officers cordoned off the building in London Road, Southborough, whilst thy carried their investigation which led to three teens taken into custody.

Owner Geoff Montague-Smith estimates that repair costs could total £80,000 to £90,000, though covered by insurance.

He says the the inferno has left the flats above the clinic uninhabitable and work still needs to be done to the clinic's kitchen area, bin stores, and office space.

Geoff has praised the commitment of his staff and all those who have helped during the trying time.

Atman Clinic in Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells, which was hit by a big fire. Picture: Geoff Montague-Smith
Atman Clinic in Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells, which was hit by a big fire. Picture: Geoff Montague-Smith

He said: "The network of support here is amazing, I was really quite emotional to get these messages flooding in.

"We got back up and running again so quickly largely with the support of a good team.

"Some of the patients coming and they are saying I wouldn't even know there was a problem.

"Everyone was well aware of that we worked so hard to create this clinic, so no one wants to see this awful thing happen.

"Were through it and were determined people, you knock me down and I'm straight back up again.

Owner Geoff Montague-Smith assessing the damage at the clinic.Picture: Geoff Montague-Smith
Owner Geoff Montague-Smith assessing the damage at the clinic.Picture: Geoff Montague-Smith

"That's just how we do life and how we run things.

"We like to be an example of that kind of positive thinking for the people that don't know us.

"Sometimes you just think this is not what we deserved but I don't think you represent any challenge that you're not equal to.

"The universe will always only give you what you can cope with."

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