IT is business as usual for traders whose premises were gutted when a fire ripped through a row of shops in Westhoughton.

The fire — on June 1 — wiped out six businesses in School Street with 20 firefighters tackling the blaze at its height.

Now two of the firms — Infinity Imaging, a printing business and Monks Dry Cleaners — have joined forces to open up in a unit in nearby 93 Market Street, until they can move back into School Street.

The businesses with the help of the landlord of the fire damaged building have worked hard to kit out the shop so they could get up and running again.

Now they want customers to know they are back in business — and hope to attract passing trade.

Michelle Bevan, who opened Infinity Imaging last January, said: “We just want customers to know we are here and open.

“The landlord has been really good in giving us a short term contract here. It is the busiest time for me in the run-up to Christmas and I am hoping that more people will see us as they are passing.”

She added: “Marie Valentine, who works with us has designed a shop front banner and we have had banners printed to go on scaffolding as work is being carried out on the building in School Street, telling people we are here and open.”

Monks Dry Cleaners have been operating out of their Aspull branch since the blaze but are hoping their presence back in Bolton can win back customers they may have lost due to the fire as well as new customers.

The two businesses have also carried out a leaflet drop in the local area.

Paul Monks, who has been running the business for six years, said: “It was really tough and we don’t know yet how the fire has affected us.

“We just want people to know we are back in Westhoughton. It is working well.”

Work is now well under way to repair the fire damaged shops and businesses should be able to move back early next year.