Council 'does not want market businesses to close'
LDRSA council chief says he does not want "any businesses to close" if a redevelopment of a 19th Century market hall is approved.
Stockton Borough councillor Richard Eglington has said tenants of the Stockton Shambles have had "the first of many opportunities" to get clarity and advice from officers.
It comes after businesses received a letter telling them of plans to "market the Shambles as a food and beverage opportunity and to lease the entire building".
They were told no decisions had been made yet, but if approved, they would have to move.
Shop owners previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they felt "stuck in limbo" and spoke of their worries about moving the businesses they had built up in the community, with some saying they might have to close altogether if the plans went ahead.
Stockton MPs have responded to the proposals, which will be discussed by council leaders on Thursday.
Conservative MP Matt Vickers said "local traders deserve better" and accused the council of "betraying hard-working business owners at The Shambles".
Chris McDonald, Labour MP for Stockton North, said the council "must commit" to finding all Shambles traders an affordable, appropriate and accessible new home in the immediate High Street area.
'No decision made'
Sharing the speech he will give at Thursday's cabinet meeting, Eglington, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said the Shambles was a "loved and cherished" Grade II listed building and there were no plans to knock it down.
"When developing the Central Stockton and North Thornaby Blueprint, The Shambles were identified as an opportunity to develop a food and beverage offering.
"It was clear from conversations with interested parties that the whole building would be needed for the proposal to work."
Eglington said that current tenants would need to move out if the proposal was approved.
"No decision has been made, and it will not be made until the cabinet vote on the proposals but if approved the council would need vacant possession."
He said "letters outlining the proposals and not eviction notices have been sent to the tenants, and a meeting was offered the next day".
"To be clear this is the first of many opportunities that the tenants have to speak to the officers and to get advice and clarity."
He said that the council would continue to offer meetings and support to all current tenants.
"We don't want any businesses to close, and we hope that with the support of the business development team that the businesses will grow and develop further."
He added the aim of the redevelopment was to increase footfall in Stockton.