A Witham pub is close to re-opening after a fire gutted part of the premises.

The Crown Inn, in Guithavon Street, Witham, has been shut since late February after fire ripped through one of the smaller of the pub's two ground floor bars.

The landlady and her granddaughter escaped serious injury by escaping via an upstairs window and climbing down a drainpipe.

The smoke and heat damage caused has meant that the pub has remained closed ever since.

Refurbishment is due to be completed as soon as possible.

Published Tuesday, May 20, 2003

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