THE Co-operative travel branch in Kidlington High Street has partly re-opened after fire ripped through the store on July 18.

About 50 firefighters were called to the blaze and spent 45 minutes tackling it at “great risk” to themselves, said a spokesman.

The ground floor supermarket was damaged by fire and smoke but the travel branch has cordoned off a small section with three new desks so it can continue to serve customers during the busy holiday period.

Branch manager Zoe Tiscornia said: “It’s still a bit smoky and there’s a bit of a smell but we’re confident that will diminish in the next couple of days.

“It has been busy and people are pleased to have us back.”

Three staff members have stayed to run the branch, while three others have temporarily moved to Co-op branches in Headington and Botley.

Customers can access travel money services and make travel bookings as usual at the scaled-down branch, which can be reached from the store’s High Street entrance.

The permanent branch should be fully operational in a few weeks but the food store will remain closed for the time being.