Cash prize to tempt more shoppers

Camden Council hopes the plan will help traders through the recession

A new campaign has been launched to help independent shops in north London beat the recession.

Camden Council is hoping to attract more tourists and shoppers over Christmas by giving away £1,000.

Visitors who spend more than £5 in independent local shops will be able to enter a free prize draw.

The council-run initiative has been funded through a £6m "recovery fund" designed to help local firms survive the economic downturn.

"We're committed to helping our diverse range of independent businesses survive the recession," said Councillor Andrew Marshall.

We've made this possible through our £6m recession recovery fund helping local people and businesses through the economic slump."

Martin Kravetz, owner of Mega-City Comics in Camden Town, supported the scheme.

"Independent shopping is what Camden is all about," he said. "It's great to see the council supporting independent businesses that give the area its character and appeal."

In February 2008, Camden Market was ravaged by fire, causing £30m of damage and forcing it to close. It reopened in May.

The market is a major tourist attraction, drawing as many as 300,000 visitors each weekend.