Braintree High Street has re-opened after a fire destroyed a homeless shelter three weeks ago. 

Work was being carried out to make the chimney safe at the Braintree Emergency Night Shelter which caught fire on February 11. 

The scaffolding which previously obstructed the High Street has now been restricted to the footpath, allowing traffic to pass again.

The roof of the 16th Century Grade II listed building was completely devastated by the fire but night shelter manager, Robert Sefton, hopes to reopen the service in time. 

Brenda Baker, chairman of Braintree Chamber of Commerce, said: "The road re-opening is such a relief for us and Braintree's businesses."