AN OPTICIANS caught up in a fire at a wine bar was dealt yet another blow after a burst pipe flooded the store for a third time in two weeks.

Staff at Wardale Williams Opticians on Halstead High Street were once again left to clear up flood water inside the shop after freezing temperatures caused a water pipe on the top floor to burst.

The opticians was flooded twice in two days last month due to the fire at Whispers Wine Bar on Friday, February 23 and Saturday, February 24.

Water used to extinguish the fires not only ruined the wine bar, but also damaged electrical equipment and the facilities in Wardale Williams Opticians, which is next door.

Staff worked had to undertake two clean-up operations after both fires and their best efforts meant the opticians was reopened on Tuesday, February 27.

However, last week’s snow and freezing temperatures caused a burst pipe to flood the store again over the weekend and meant a third clean up was required on Monday.

Manager Mark Thompson said: “We were incredibly lucky in terms of damage after the first fire because there was very little water coming through to the shop.

“But things have just gone down hill from there. The second fire was directly above us so we had a lot of water damage from that.

“The roof has been temporarily repaired but it still meant the cold was able to get in, pipes froze and then expanded and when that melted they just burst.

“There was probably about an inch of water in the shop when I arrived.

"We had to open the front door to let it all out.”

Mr Thompson and his staff spent all of Monday once again clearing up the mess caused by the water. Their hard work and an all-clear from an electrician meant Wardale Williams Opticians was miraculously open for business again by Tuesday.

Mr Thompson says the cost of the damage and cancellation of appointments is not yet known.

He added: “One thing I can say is the most expensive equipment is fine and still working. That would have escalated costs if there was problems with that.

“In the short term it’s about staying open and running like normal.

"Longer term things like replacing the floor and worktops will have to wait, especially as we don’t know if we are going to have anymore problems.

“The one positive from this has been everyone has pulled together and really helped out. I can’t give the staff enough credit for their help.”