A BUSINESS has resumed trading following the partial collapse of its building.

Northwest Plumbing and Electrical Ltd, Burnley, has reopened its doors to the public, weeks after the extension to the premises unexpectedly collapsed.

Company bosses were forced to stop trading in October because Burnley Council deemed the building unsafe to operate in.

At the time it was known how long the business, located near Rose Grove station, would be closed for but it has now reopened.

Managing director Ajmal Khan said: "I am happy because the business has reopened quicker than I expected.

"We have gone through the health and safety checks and will make sure this does not happen again."

The collapse came after a beam-column, supporting the extension, snapped and led to the top floor of the building collapsing.

After the business was told it could not trade, the company used 'extra force' to get the building back on its feet quickly.

The 38-year-old, from Nelson, added: "I would be working late until 11pm as we used extra force and people to get the business back open as quickly as possible."

Company bosses achieved their objective when the business reopened on November 1, the managing director said.

Although the business has resumed trading the repairs to the site have not been completed.

Customers have to use a temporary shop entrance, which has been opened at the back of the Accrington Road building.

Scaffolding is still up around the outside of the building and Northwest Plumbing bosses are still waiting on contractors to fix the roof.

Repairs, which cost around £50,000, are expected to be finished by December 1.

The company boss added: "The contractors say it will take about three weeks to get the roof fixed on. That's the only thing we are waiting for now."

Cllr Beatrice Foster, who represents the area, said the community have 'appreciated' the conduct of the business since the collapse.

She said: "I travel that way all the time and I know the road closure caused an inconvenience.

"The repairs which are taking place have been kept to minimum disturbance to road users and pedestrians, which the community have appreciated.

"Hopefully the business will have got back on their feet now."