Managers expect it will take three to four weeks to repair fire damage at an Oxford chemist.

Surveyors were inspecting Proctors Pharmacy in the Roundway, Headington.

As reported in yesterday's Oxford Mail, a fire started in an electrical wiring cupboard at the chemists at 4.30am on Saturday. Three people in a flat above the shop escaped after smoke began rising through the floorboards.

A sign stuck on the door read: "To all our customers, we apologise for the inconvenience, but due to a fire we are closed until further notice. All prescriptions are available to collect from the Manor Pharmacy in Osler Road."

The sign said 'nomad' boxes - medication delivered to people who cannot get to the chemist - would be sent through the Atkyns Road branch.

Kathy Haslam, area manager of Proctors, said: "It's going to be three or four weeks before we can look at opening again.

"We don't know how much damage there is, but we think it is mainly cosmetic rather than structural."