Clash over The Shambles, then a unified vote to support it

POLITICIANS have clashed over The Shambles controversy before voting unanimously to support the 19th-century market hall.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

The Shambles, in Stockton Town Centre

The first full meeting of Stockton Council since leaders dropped proposals to move The Shambles businesses to make way for a food and drink venue saw robust debate over the Labour-led authority's actions.

In the end, councillors were united in voting through a motion recognising the importance of "maintaining accessible and high-quality facilities" in the grade II listed building for businesses and visitors, and considering investment in the building and refurbishing its toilets.

Cllr Lisa Evans announced earlier this month that "we will not be proposing to repurpose the building and relocate the businesses within it", after speaking to small independent businesses who had expressed alarm and concern over their future with the proposals.

Instead, the council is now planning to upgrade vacant council-owned town centre units for small businesses using a £6.5m pot.

Independent councillor Ted Strike put forward a motion welcoming the announcement and noting the "historical and cultural significance" of The Shambles, built in 1825, as "a distinctive civic and commercial landmark" on Stockton High Street.