A REWARD of £5,000 is being offered to bring to justice an arsonist who torched a business in Johnstown.

Graham and Janet Levy, proprietors of the Ronor Launderette in Maelor Road, are putting up the reward money for the arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible for the attack, which took place on September 30.

The business has been closed temporarily as a result of the extensive damage caused.

Mrs Levy said she and her husband had not yet decided whether they will return.

“We spent 24 years building up that business. Then someone came along and took it away in just five minutes,” she said.

“I still go back there for things like sorting the insurance out. Each time I’m in the shop now I cry because of what has happened. It has turned my life upside down.”

The couple stressed they had thought long and hard before making the decision of putting up the reward money.

“We wanted to make sure everything was done correctly. We have spoken to the police and they are aware of what we are doing,” said Mrs Levy.

“The arson attack was a massive blow for us. We are back to square one now and it is not as if we have another 24 years in order to start the business from scratch again.”

Mrs Levy said she had been overwhelmed by messages of support from customers of the Ronor.

“That has meant so much. It’s wonderful to know people care about what has happened to us,” Mrs Levy said.

“I really miss talking to the regulars who used the launderette.”

The attack was the third time in less than a year that the Ronor had been the target for crime.

In July, the building’s front door was set alight. In November last year knife-wielding masked robbers burst into the premises before running off with the takings.

A spokesman for North Wales Police said that if anyone had information to help enquiries, they should get in contact with officers by calling 101.