'Business as usual' after inferno

The fire ripped through the town centre in the early hours of 15 February

More businesses affected by a huge fire which devastated Blackpool town centre are due to reopen.

The blaze, which began in an alley between Clifton Street and Talbot Square, gutted Yates's Wine Lodge and other businesses on 15 February.

A cordon around two restaurants on Talbot Road will be lifted later and Clifton Street will reopen at 1800 GMT. Part of the pub has been demolished.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with aggravated arson.

A spokesman for Blackpool Council said: "Its very much business as usual - except for those businesses directs affected by the fire - on Clifton Street."

The surviving part of the pub in Talbot Road had been secured with scaffolding, added the council spokesman.

Parking bays in the area will also be available for use again.

More than 100 fire fighters dealt with the fire. The last flames were extinguished on Tuesday.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it has now withdrawn from the site and demolition contractors have been clearing the area.