Western International tenants were disrupted, but left relatively untroubled, by a huge blaze that ripped through the market’s pallet store on July 29.
But, because the fire took place on a Saturday, the vast majority of tenants did not see trade negatively affected.
Police are investigating suspected arson at Pallet & Co, the scene of the fire. The problem was exacerbated by two gas cylinders, discovered in a sea container on the site, forcing firemen to cordon off a 100-metre exclusion zone throughout Sunday.
There was concern that the fresh produce market would be forced to close on the Monday, but after lengthy negotiations between the tenants association, Hounslow Borough Council and the emergency services, it was agreed that the market could continue to trade, with restrictions.
“Closing on the Monday would have been a disaster for traders,” said George Bray, tenants’ association chairman. “There was no chance of opening the front gate, but we agreed that vehicles could enter through the back gate of the market on Southall Lane. It is a much narrower entrance, so five of the constabulary were employed to direct traffic - and the one-way system went out of the window for one day.
“But we got through it and in the end there was relatively little disruption to fruit and vegetable trade.”
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