THE future of a Southampton bookshop damaged by a major fire is still hanging in the balance.

Waterstones in Above Bar Street remains closed and its future is still uncertain, after a major fire almost two weeks ago.

As previously reported, more than 30 firefighters rushed to battled the blaze while staff and customers were evacuated.

Flames swept through the store in minutes and the city was brought to a standstill.

Now the future of the store is still uncertain.

A spokesperson for Waterstones said: “All the booksellers from the Above Bar shop are working now at the much larger Waterstones in the West Quay shopping centre.

“The landlord and insurers of the Above Bar building are in the process of assessing the damage and the rebuilding that will be required.

“Evidently, the future of the shop will depend on the outcome of this work.”

As well as Waterstones, the nearby Barclays was also shut off.

A spokesperson for Barclays said: “Due to the extensive damage caused by the fire at Waterstones it’s unlikely the Barclays Above Bar branch will re-open imminently.”

He added: “In the meantime customers can continue to access everyday banking at any Post Office including 32-34 Above Bar Street and our alternative Barclays branches in Southampton. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Hampshire Police has confirmed that the fire remains under investigation.

It comes after a 39-year-old from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of arson last week.

He was held in police custody but later released under investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call 101.