A HAIR salon destroyed in a high-speed car crash is expected to reopen today.

Hair Line, in Kiln Road, Benfleet, has undergone a refurbishment of more than £10,000 after a Fiat Coupe, alleged to have been travelling at 100mph, smashed into it.

Angela Window, 54, of Nicholson Road, Benfleet, and Helen Brookes, 46, of Asquith Avenue, Benfleet, are overjoyed to be back in the salon, after spending three months since the collision working out of a nearby empty cafe.

Their insurers footed the repair bill, but it has taken until now for the building to be stabilised, new windows fitted and new equipment bought.

Mrs Brookes said: “We’re so pleased to be back and all our customers have been so loyal to us.

“Everything was destroyed in the crash, so we’ve had to get all new stuff – from hairdryers and scissors to mirrors, sinks and chairs.

“A new support beam had to be put in, as well as windows and doors.”

The car careered into the salon at 11pm on August 20, and two men escaped from the wreckage with non life-threatening injuries.

Essex Police are still investigating the crash and a 30-year-old man from Benfleet, arrested on suspicion of traffic offences including dangerous driving, is due to answer police bail this month.

No further action was taken against a 38-year-old man arrested at the same time.

Mrs Brookes said: “It’s stressful having the police investigation still going on, because we don’t know what’s happening and still can’t get any closure.”