Cricklade Road business to be out of shop for months after major crash

Michael’s Workwear LTD, on Cricklade Road, was left in tatters by a black Honda Civic after it failed to stop for police officers in the early hours of Saturday morning, smashing into the shopfront and causing massive damage.

Michael Titcombe is the owner of the shop and was left crestfallen when he heard the news.

“I arrived at the shop at 7.30am on Saturday morning when I was stopped by the police and I was told it was a crime scene,” he said.

The shop building was left partially destroyed following the car collision. (Image: Newsquest)

“I was absolutely devastated when I saw it. Times are hard anyway but it's even more difficult to lose this amount of trade.”

The 70-year-old has been running the business for almost 40 years and has been based in the Cricklade Road shop for close to 30 years.

Michael’s son Mikey is the shop manager and he was left shocked and short of words after seeing the devastation.

“I saw the photos and it didn’t do it justice as I then saw it in person on Tuesday which was a massive shock,” he said.

The pair spoke to the loss adjuster and a surveyor on Tuesday to assess the extent of the damage.

Michael has been left 'devastated' following the crash. (Image: Newsquest)

“They said it would be a minimum of three months that the premises are closed but it could be as much as six,” said Michael.

“We could be out of business for half a year and we’ve lost all the passing trade which is going to add up to thousands over the period of time.”

Following the temporary loss of the building, the duo have been working from their home in an attempt to keep business rolling.

“We have got trade account customers that we deliver out to so we are trying to do our best from working at home to get things embroidered and printed,”

“We are using our kitchen and conservatory at the minute until we find a temporary unit.”

The shopfront has since been cordoned off with metal fencing. (Image: Newsquest)

The damage from the collision was extensive with the brickwork smashed into and the front corner of the shop left fully exposed with the metal shutter mangled.

The collision also caused a gas leak.

“The front of the shop needs to be secured because the roller shutters are bent across the front,” said Michael.

“A company is going to come in and remove that to make it safe and then likely border it up.

“The engine was over there, the car was there and drive shaft was in my window after it was sheared off.

“Judging by today’s prices, I think it could nearly get to £100,000 in repairs.”

The business is now operating from Michael's home as repairs are carried out on the shop. (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the traumatic experience, neither father nor son hold any grudge towards the driver that demolished their shopfront.

“We are just so happy that no one has been seriously injured as that’s more important,” said Michael.

“You can get a building repaired but you cannot buy a life so we’re glad the guy is okay.”

Swindonians have rallied around Michael and his family since the crash which has left him feeling very grateful.

“We're overwhelmed as the community response has been fantastic as I’ve had people contact me and offer me an office space to use and a van,” he said.

The shop's shutters were left bent and mangled following the collision. (Image: Dave Cox)

The pair remain resolute despite facing such traumatic adversity and have vowed to keep the company going as best they can.

“We are still operational by email and telephone as somehow we’ve got keep the business going, if we can, and that’s a big if,” said Michael.

“We’ve got to continue in whatever way we can to keep Michael’s Workwear going and we will give it our best effort.”