Traders in Cleckheaton whose stalls and shops were destroyed by fire in the Market Arcade may have to wait for up to six weeks before they are able to open again.

The traders hope to move into the top part of the arcade, which was unaffected by the fire on Friday, January 18.

At a meeting with market owner Kirklees Council in Cleckheaton yesterday, traders said they were keen to move into the top part of the Market Arcade, which was found to be 20 per cent larger than where they were previously housed.

Those who attended the meeting visited the top part of the arcade to look at what could soon be their new home.

Area trade co-ordinator and spokesman for the traders, Keith Joplin, said: "The market is going to be developed in the top half. But even getting to that point will take about six weeks because the Council wants to get it right.

"Issues such as security, lighting, water supply, heating and ventilation all need to be looked into."

Mr Joplin said the Council would have to work to building regulations to ensure the building was safe.

"The Council will also have to appeal for customers to come back when it does open its doors," he said.

"We don't want something that is so temporary that people don't want to come!"

Mr Joplin said a plan was being drawn up to show where each shop would go.

A meeting will be held on Friday to allow the traders to examine the plan.

Many businesses affected by the blaze have managed to find alternative premises - on a temporary basis - but others have been unable to stay open.

Mr Joplin said he was pleased some traders, such as Asquith's fruit, vegetable and pet supplies and Slater's Provisions, currently sharing a shop in Horncastle Street, had found another home.

He said: "The traders have been very resourceful. In just a few days, Michael Asquith redecorated the former Moving Melodies record shop and it is looking great. But like everyone else, he is keen to move back into the market building as soon as possible with his colleagues.

"The traders are keen to get back into the market, but they understand the sense of waiting until it is right.

"Other traders in the town are very supportive of the market traders' plight."

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said the final cost of the fire damage - which is believed to run into hundreds of thousands of pounds - had not yet been revealed.