TRADERS at Cleckheaton's fire-hit indoor market could be back in business in a fortnight.

Kirklees Council chiefs said they were looking to bring an undamaged section of the building into use.

Long-term plans will be drawn up for refurbishments or a new market hall.

The announcement spelled good news for traders, who feared Kirklees could give up on the market. Only about half a dozen of the 20 units were occupied at the ailing hall.

Shoppers were still inside when the fire broke out on Friday last week, shortly after workmen repairing the roof went home for the day.

More than 80 firefighters tackled the blaze. Its cause is still being investigated.

A council spokeswoman said: "Workers are starting on the removal and demolition of loose roof material and making the building safe.

"Temporary plans are being drawn up to use the upper section of the building, which got away quite lightly.

"We're looking to reopen in a couple of weeks."

A few stalls might be placed outside as a stopgap measure, said the spokeswoman.

She added: "We have started looking at options for the future, which include refurbishment or rebuilding. The aim is to open an improved, better market."