Plea to council to 'delay' decision over Shambles

A DECISION on the fate of The Shambles is likely to be delayed following alarm among traders over council plans for a new food and drink venue.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

Independent business people in the 19th century shopping centre and market hall on Stockton High Street said they were heartbroken, devastated and “left in limbo” by the council’s proposals, and felt “the council have just taken the floor from under our feet”.

They would have to move out if council plans were approved to “market the Shambles as a food and beverage opportunity”.

Stockton Council said it did not want businesses to close, offered traders a meeting quickly to ask questions and would give advice and help businesses find new homes.

But some traders who had spent years building up their businesses said a move would be so unaffordable it could mean the “end of the road”.

The proposals for The Shambles were to be considered - with a raft of other regeneration plans - at a council cabinet meeting. However the Labour-led authority has now reconsidered.

It looks set to delay consideration of the historic shopping centre after the traders spoke of their dismay and their own MP made a call for delay, with scathing criticism from their opponents and politicians from both sides calling for proper, meaningful meetings with affected businesses.