A block of flats devastated by fire are almost completely refurbished, three months after the blaze.

The flats in Wood Road, Heybridge, were set alight on June 16.

The blaze left such devastation at the time that 20 people were left homeless.

Landlord Moat Housing said some residents could return within ten days, however in at least three flats the tenants have had to be permanently rehoused.

Work is still ongoing to repair three flats, including the apartment where the fire was started.

A Moat spokesman said: “There were six apartments affected by the fire at Wood Road in June.

“Of these, three homes, including the apartment which was the seat of the fire, remain under repair and the residents have been permanently rehoused.

“These properties will be available for new residents as soon as repair works are complete.

“The three apartments which were undamaged but subject to slight smoke ingress have been re-occupied.”