Community 'sad and wounded' by Ancient Market fire

59 minutes ago

Victoria Cookand

Gem O'Reilly,BBC London, Kingston Market

News image — Once the investigation into the cause was concluded on Wednesday, the clear-up could begin

BBC Man opens temporary metal gate near burnt down market stalls — Once the investigation into the cause was concluded on Wednesday, the clear-up could begin

A clean-up is under way after a fire which destroyed a number of stalls at Kingston's Ancient Market, as well as damaging a number of nearby shops.

The Metropolitan Police said the cause of the fire, which started at the south-west London market in the early hours of Tuesday, was not suspicious. The findings from the London Fire Brigade's investigation are yet to be shared.

Vince, a barista at Zega Coffee, which was damaged in the fire, told the BBC: "We are really sad, all the community is wounded by this."

He described his business as "lucky" for "only having cracked windows".

A man in a cap worn backwards looks off camera, whilst standing in a coffee shop — The coffee house where Vince works was damaged by the fire, but remains open

Anmol Brambat works by the market and has lived in the area for 26 years.

She arrived for work on Tuesday morning to find the aftermath of the fire.

"It's very upsetting to see," she said.

"Lush has completely gone, it's really sad to see Greggs, Hotter's (shoes), the bureau de change - all of them [are] closed... and the marketplace stalls."

She said the community's thoughts had started to turn to the impact on Christmas.

"There's a lot of speculation whether this can be repaired in time for Christmas or not," Anmol said.

"This market is the heart of Kingston. It's always thriving from the time it opens to the time it closes. It's sad to see that the market stall-holders are going to have a loss of earnings due to this, too."

Google Businesses beside the market, before the fire, undamaged. People walking past — Businesses beside the market, before the fire

Fire-damaged shops, boarded up — The same businesses beside the market, after the fire

Local window cleaner Gareth said his thoughts turned to relief when he discovered that no-one had been injured.

"It's sad - the smell and devastation," he said.

"The market traders are the ones you've got to feel sorry for, this is their daily bread and butter; God knows what they'll do.

"It's really sad, really sad," he added.

All Saints Church Charred and collapsed market stalls in Kingston upon Thames, with debris scattered across the marketplace as police officers and other people stand behind cordons. All Saints Church and surrounding shops can be seen in the background. — Kingston's market dates back to the early 1200s

Kingston Council leader Andreas Kirsch said he was "shocked and saddened" by the fire. He said: "The Ancient Market sits at the heart of the community and my thoughts are with the traders, business owners and residents who have been impacted by this incident."

Kirsch added: "I want to reassure you that the council is working with partners to support all those affected."

He said the council was working with the fire brigade and police to ensure the area was safe and "prioritise the recovery of our much-loved market".

The Market Place remains cordoned off by police, with businesses within the closed area unable to trade until further notice, the council said.

In January, operator Between the Bridges submitted plans to Kingston Council to revamp the market with replacement stalls, a central piazza, restaurant, bar and roof terrace.

No decision has yet been made on the proposals.

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