by Julie Newman 12 May 2011
The Byford Tavern south east of Perth, has been told that their power allocation is no longer available after spending $5 million to rebuild damage caused by an electrical fire 10 months ago.
“We could not have the same power allocation as it has been used up by new development and the area now needs a new transformer,” said owner Trevor Holgate.
“Half of our power is provided by a generator which kept cutting out and it has caused us problems.
“I don’t know how long we have to wait for a transformer. Western Power will not give a date,” said Mr Holgate.
Western Power failed to provide a response by the time of going to print.
The July, 2010 fire was caused by an electrical fault in the TAB bar and completed gutted the building.
Valuable sporting memorabilia displays and personal jewellery were also lost in the fire.
The Byford Tavern is now fully operational but faulty power only adds to the expected problems of new equipment, new staff and new menus.
“Basically it is going well, but some people are very unforgiving.
“They think it should all be the way it was, but it doesn’t work like that straight away,” said Mr Holgate.
The faulty generator has been replaced but the power cuts caused problems for the staff when lights and refrigeration kept cutting out.
“It seems unfair that the power company allocated our share of power to the new developments in the area when they knew we would need it,” said manager, Kira Hall.
Ms Hall was enthusiastic about the first week of trading as there was concern that it would take time to rebuild clientele.
Ms Hall explained that the new facility is working well but said it was not without teething problems.
After the fire, staff were left without employment and most found long term employment elsewhere.
“Only five of us could come back and we need to see if the staff we have trained up will cut it,” said Ms Hall.
“We are really surprised how busy we are so soon and it is a big ask for new staff,” said Ms Hall.
Locals have missed the facilities offered of three bars, bottle shop, restaurant, dining room, al-fresco dining room, function room and TAB.
Local identity, Bill Evans was devastated when he heard his local had burnt down as it was his “second home”.
“It was a big shock, just terrible.
“It’s great to be back with my mates but they seem to have got death adders in their pockets,” said Mr Evans referring to who should be shouting the next round.
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