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As some of you might have seen, Camden Town was badly damaged by fire last night. Camden has long been somewhere that those with alternative lifestyles congregated. The high street is full of tattoo and piercing parlours, places selling punk and metal clothing, record shops and the like. In addition, it has several markets, which all offer something different than you'd find in a normal faceless corporate shopping centre. The extent of the damage isn't yet clear, but it looks like it's mostly the eastern lock market that's suffered.

As yet, the cause of the fire is unknown, but I can't help thinking that it's awfully convenient for the corporate interests that have been lobbying to pull down much of Camden and start afresh. Camden has always had a vibrant feel to it, but I'm sure the fire damaged property will be sold off to the highest bidder, who will tear the remains down and replace them with yet another set of bland, faceless shops and offices, eroding just that little bit more of Camden's soul :-(