Shop owners 'devastated' over plans to sell market

Independent shop owners trading at a 19th Century market hall said they have been told they will have to move if a redevelopment plan is approved.

Stockton Council cabinet is due to vote on proposals to market the Stockton Shambles as a "food and beverage opportunity" and retailers have received letters about relocation plans.

Sweet shop owner Sarah Mann, one of the longest serving traders at the site, said she was "absolutely devastated" by the idea of moving to the high street.

Paul Rowling, cabinet member for resources and transport, said that the council was working closely with retailers to provide "support and advice" to help identify alternative accommodation.

Ms Mann said moving premises was "unaffordable" and she risked losing loyal customers.

She said: "We have been here for 14 years and the thought of having to start and build a customer base again is awful.

"It's such a shame that it has never been put to the public - it's not what they want."

Fellow trader April Williams, who owns a cafe, said she was "shocked" by the plans.

"It is heart warming to see all the support from people saying the Shambles is the heart of the community," she said.

"We are just in shock. We are all gutted. We put out hearts and souls into our business."

Stockton Labour MP Chris McDonald said he believed the regeneration project was one of the "most exciting developments" in years and "would breathe new life into the high street".

However, he said it was "vital to get this right" and he had been contacted by many constituents about the future of the Shambles.

"The people inside it (the Shambles), the traders who have stood by Stockton through difficult years, deserve respect.

"I've met with many of those businesses and they care deeply about our town.

"They've contributed to Stockton's identity and they must not be pushed aside now that the good times are returning," he said.

He also urged the council to help traders find new premises that were "affordable and appropriate".

Mr Rowling said: "The Shambles building is an important part of the high street and part of its current rationale is to support businesses to grow and move into individual town centre premises.

"Cabinet will be asked to consider marketing the building as a food and beverage opportunity as part of its 25 year vision.

"The existing retailers would need to relocate and the council is already working closely with retailers to provide business support and advice and identify alternative accommodation options to encourage their long term success."

Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.