A LAUNDERETTE which was targeted by arsonists leaving them out of business is set to re-open its doors to serve the community again.

The owners of the Ronor, in Maelor Road, Johnstown, say it is the support and backing of their regular customers which was a key factor in the decision to pick themselves up from the devastation – which followed previous attacks on the business – and return.

They have been in business for 24 years.

The fire attack took place in September last year.

Aronists poured petrol into the shop and set it alight, causing massive damage.

There was so much force generated that it blew off the fascia boards outside.

September’s 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 and In November 2009, knife-wielding masked robbers burst into the premises before running off with a quantity of cash.

A spokeswoman for the Ronor said: “We have been closed for around five months.

“Up until the start of the New Year it was looking unlikely that we were ever going to re-open, it had such a devastating effect on us.

“But our customers have been marvellous, always asking if we are going to be coming back, and it is that which has been so important in the decision to return.

“The people have changed our minds. Now we can’t wait to re-open the doors.”

It is hoped that the launderette could be back in operation within the next four weeks.

Extensive renovation and redecoration has been on-going for some three months and is coming close to completition.

“We have improved facilities here and importantly the security arrangements have also been strengthened,” said the spokeswoman.

-The importance the launderette owners put on their relationship with customers was highlighted by the Leader shortly after the fire.

Despite the premises being put out of action the Ronor arranged for the kit of Rhos Aelwyd football club to be cleaned and returned in immaculate condition ready for their next match.