Council leaders heckled during cabinet meeting

DRAMA ENSUED AS PEOPLE TURNED UP TO VOICE FRUSTRATION AT THE SHAMBLES PROPOSALS

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT Local democracy reporter [e-mail]

COUNCIL leaders were heckled during a dramatic council meeting where people voiced frustrations at proposals to move businesses in The Shambles.

Plans to market The Shambles as a food and drink venue - and relocate its current businesses - have sparked concern and worry among traders.

And a conciliatory move to hold off making a decision about the 19th century shopping centre and market hall on Stockton High Street did not seem to quell worries last night.

Tensions emerged early in the packed meeting of Stockton Council’s cabinet, when Hartburn Conservative Councillor Lynn Hall was not allowed to ask questions on finances.

The Labour-led council's leader Cllr Lisa Evans said this was to let councillors speak on the council's regeneration plans, including The Shambles.

“Dear me,” responded Cllr Hall. “You have gagged me, leader of the council.”

“Reimagining” The Shambles, the town hall and former Debenhams building was part of wide-ranging plans which regeneration director Tracey Carter introduced as “a huge opportunity for expansion of the economic growth aspirations for Stockton-on-Tees” which would “create thousands of homes, more commercial space and jobs, enhance the vibrancy of our town centres and deliver significant investment”.