Refurbishment work has begun at a former Wimpy restaurant which was closed down when it flooded more than two years ago.

The fast-food chain has admitted it will not re-open a branch at the unit in High Street, Epping.

Workmen yesterday began clearing the shop and a man claiming to be the tenant, but would not give his name, said he was in touch with a number of interested parties over its future.

He said it was likely to remain a restaurant or similar business.

The inside of the unit has been cleared of much of the furniture of the restaurant and is a building site full of dust with ceiling tiles removed and wires exposed.