A ROAD closure order caused by an unstable building has finally been lifted.

Part of Duke Street in Glasgow's East End was shut for almost five weeks after storms damaged a historic building earmarked for redevelopment.

The road reopened to traffic yesterday after the former Great Eastern homeless hostel was deemed safe following a council inspection.

Workmen had to stabilise the building after 90mph winds ripped off part of the roof last month.

Contractors removed sections of the roof and the operation took longer than anticipated, forcing buses and motorists to use alternative routes.

Duke Street between High Street and Bellgrove Street was closed since January 8 amid concerns further debris could fall from the building.

A city council spokesman said: "A final inspection has confirmed the site is now safe and the remainder of Duke Street has now reopened to traffic."

Site owners Milnbank Housing Association are keen to push on with plans for a £10million refurbishment of the building.

The former Heartbreak Hotel, as the hostel was known, will be turned into 60 luxury flats, and 48 rented flats will be built on land behind the building.