Repairs begin for storm damaged Maclean

Lynne Mowbray Businesses most affected by Maclean’s freak storm which hit the town on January 2, are starting to move on. Assessors have been in and checked out several of the businesses and work is underway. Owner of the Maclean Hotel (Maclean’s Top Pub) Jack McIntyre said that assessors had been out last week and he hopes to start work this week on rebuilding the back decks marquee. “We had a fair bit of damage,” said Mr McIntyre. “We lost the food in the kitchen, which had to be thrown out and the kitchen was out of operation for a few days. “We lost tables and chairs on the back deck, the till in the bottle shop, TV’s and drain pipes on the back of the building ripped off. “We also had a skylight and windows smashed upstairs,” he said. Ta’Chelle Australis owner Michelle Gallagher said that their assessors had been in and now they are faced with the mammoth job of itemising every item that was damaged. “We almost have to strip the shop and start again,” said Ms Gallagher. “Shelving and cabinets have to be removed, the ceiling and roof are being repaired and the shop has to be repainted and have new floor coverings. “We’re trying to stay positive and look forward to the end result, of a fresh new shop. “We started a 50 per-cent off sale last Thursday and a lot of stock is being sold off at below cost. “We’re grateful for the support from the community and everyone is embracing the sale,” she said. The Clarence Hotel Licensee Mick Emanuel was unable to be contacted for an update on the hotel, at the time of going to print.