Fire-hit market's push for trade

The fire tore through many buildings but no-one was hurt

Visitors are staying away from Camden Market because they think the whole area was destroyed by a fire there six months ago, business leaders believe.

Some shops and stalls are still boarded up and it is feared that many visitors think the whole market is closed.

In a bid to change public perception market bosses are launching a publicity drive to say they are in business.

A new website and poster campaign will remind Londoners, tourists and newly- arrived students the market is open.

The operators, Camden Town Unlimited, say the market remains a top tourist attraction but visitor numbers have dwindled slightly over the summer.

The fire ripped through a swathe of shops, dwellings and market traders' stands but remarkably caused no casualties.

Premises on the opposite side of the road were unaffected and the market reopened for business a week later.