The rebuild of a St George’s pharmacy wrecked by a blaze last year is expected to be done by the end of this month.

Joy Rothwell, co-owner of Robertson’s Drug Store in Water Street, said yesterday “the last finishing touches” were being completed on the top floor of the building.

She added: “We’re nearly there. The roof is on.”

The drugstore was badly damaged by a fire in September which destroyed the top floor, which housed offices and a storeroom.

The rest of the building was damaged by water and the air conditioning system also needed to be replaced.

However, Ms Rothwell said the long-established family business had carried on after the fire and that Christmas had seen good sales. She was grateful for local support and that people had not been put off by the reconstruction work.