A Suffolk branch of retailer WH Smith and its Post Office counter is still closed nearly a month after a fire in a bin behind its premises.

The books and stationery business has not reopened in Hamilton Road, Felixstowem, since the blaze in Victoria Street at the end of May, which sent plumes of smoke 60 or 70ft into the air.

Two flats above the retail premises were evacuated before the flames could engulf the outside wall and roof, destroying slates and charring the wall.

READ MORE: Flat owner shocked at Felixstowe Victoria Street fire

The WH Smith and Post Office counter in Felixstowe has been closed for nearly a monthThe WH Smith and Post Office counter in Felixstowe has been closed for nearly a month (Image: Google Maps) Three teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of arson in relation to the incident.

The WH Smith store was forced to close due to water damage caused by the fire hoses used to dowse the flames.

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Meanwhile, staff at the town's Iceland food supermarket also witnessed the incident, although their premises is detached from the burned building and therefore emerged largely unscathed.

The fire charred the walls and damaged the roof to the rear of the WH Smith in Felixstowe The fire charred the walls and damaged the roof to the rear of the WH Smith in Felixstowe (Image: Newsquest) At the time, residents described their "shock" at the incident 'on a really quiet street where nothing bad ever happened.'

Anna Oleksiuk, who lives opposite, said: "When I walked past, there was no fire, no smoke. Just a few minutes after I walked into the house, the landlord shouted 'there is a massive fire outside'. I opened the window and I saw black smoke," she added.

A Post Office spokesperson said customers could visit other counters nearby.

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He said: “We’re sorry that our customers are unable to access our services at our branch on Hamilton Road.

"Customers can use Bent Hill Post Office located at 1 Wolsey Gardens which is located close by or use either Old Felixstowe Post Office on the High Road or Walton Post Office, both of which are located 0.7 miles from Hamilton Road.”

A WH Smith spokesperson: “Unfortunately the store remains temporarily closed while works are undertaken following the recent fire. We will advise of the reopening date in due course.”