By Annabelle Jackman
Four days on from the quake that devastated parts of central Christchurch, business in the area is starting to resume.
Some buildings in the inner city have been given the green light, but with aftershocks continuing, there's a feeling of unease from those heading back to work.
Two steps forward and one step back is how mayor Bob Parker is describing the situation in the inner city this morning.
Christchurch's Colombo St was open to cars and pedestrians for the first time since the quake struck, but two powerful aftershocks overnight meant plans to open another major road has been delayed.
And the shaking meant more damage to already vulnerable buildings
Workers entering green-lighted buildings were feeling apprehensive, broken glass and crumpled concrete everywhere.
"It's quite eerie walking round the city," one resident told 3 News. "It's pretty sad seeing some of these old buildings being knocked down, but yeah, life I suppose goes on."
For some it was the second day back at work, but the clean up remains a huge task, and for those with buildings within the no-go areas inside the cordon, there's still a long wait ahead.
Mayor Parker says the team have been working around the clock to asses the situation, but as aftershocks continue to rock the city the cordon is likely to remain in place for a while yet.
3 News