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Kingston's Ancient Market to close for nine days following fire safety inspections
Overview
Kingston's Ancient Market is closing for nine days, from 10 to 18 October, following a fire that destroyed stalls and damaged nearby businesses. Investigators believe an electrical fault in a fridge caused the blaze, and subsequent safety inspections revealed further issues requiring site clearance and demolition preparation. While traders will not pay pitch fees during this period, the council and market operator are exploring options to mitigate lost earnings, though a full reopening after the nine days cannot be definitively guaranteed.
Key points
- Kingston's Ancient Market will close entirely from 10 to 18 October due to safety concerns identified after a fire.
- Investigators believe the fire was caused by an electrical fault in a fridge.
- The closure allows damaged stalls to be made safe, demolition work to be prepared, and the site to be cleared.
- Traders will be exempt from pitch fees while unable to operate, and officials are working to help mitigate lost earnings.
- Unaffected businesses around the perimeter of the market will remain open.
- The fire previously damaged several market stalls and nearby shops, including Lush, Greggs, Hotter, and a bureau de change.