MPs react to traders' worries about 'food and beverage operator' proposal for The Shambles

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MPs have reacted to the concerns of independent business owners who face the prospect of moving because of council plans for The Shambles in Stockton.

Stockton Council proposes to “market the Shambles as as a food and beverage opportunity and to lease the entire building”. Existing shopkeepers in the 19th century listed shopping centre and market hall were told in a letter no decisions had been made yet, but “if approved and a food and beverage operator is sought, the council will require vacant possession”.

Businesspeople at The Shambles have told how they feel “stuck in limbo” and described news of the plans as devastating and heartbreaking. The council says it will work with them to provide business support and advice, and help find alternative accommodation, but some traders say they cannot afford to move and it could mean the end of the businesses they had built up, with customers and community now regarded as “family”.

Both Stockton MPs have responded to the proposals, which will be discussed by council leaders on Thursday. Matt Vickers, Conservative MP for Stockton West, said “local traders deserve better” and accused the council of “betraying hard-working business owners at The Shambles”.

Describing the plans as “disgraceful”, he said the small businesses had been treated in an “awful way” and he would be asking the council’s chief executive to meet him and the traders. He said traders were given only 24 hours’ notice of a meeting about the possible future move.

He posted on social media: “They’ve not been told when, or what the council plan to replace them with.

“These people have put their lives into creating these businesses, investing in equipment, learning the right skills, recruiting and developing staff and building a loyal customer base. It is atrocious the way our Labour council have treated them.

“They’ve already had to deal with the Labour council axing free parking and operate for months alongside a building site. The council should be supporting them not making them homeless.”

Cllr Tony Riordan, leader of Stockton’s Conservative group, said of the traders: “They’re unhappy, they’re in a state of shock. A lot of these people have been here nine, 10, 14 years, running family-orientated businesses, local businesses that serve our local community. The news they’ve received is quite devastating and they shouldn’t be put in this position by a Labour-led council.”

Chris McDonald, Labour MP for Stockton North, said some had feared The Shambles was facing demolition, posting: “Let me be clear, that’s not the case. The building will remain. But the people inside it, the traders who have stood by Stockton through difficult years deserve respect.

“They care deeply about our town. They’ve weathered high street decline, economic pressure, and uncertainty. They’ve contributed to Stockton’s identity and they must not be pushed aside now that the good times are returning.

“Before any change of use is agreed, Stockton Borough Council must commit to finding all Shambles traders a new home in the immediate High Street area. These premises must be affordable, appropriate, and accessible.

“It’s not just common sense. It’s a matter of fairness,” he added, saying town centre regeneration “cannot come at the expense of our loyal local businesses.

“Our traders, our small businesses, our market stallholders – they are the foundation of the High Street’s next chapter. They must be part of what comes next. This regeneration must balance ambition with fairness.

“And I’ll keep making that case, loudly and clearly, in support of our local traders. Let’s ensure they have a strong and secure place in the Stockton story we’re now writing together.”

The proposals go to the council’s cabinet on Thursday afternoon. The council’s regeneration report says seven retail units are occupied by small businesses under a licence with rent including utility costs, but it says The Shambles is running “at a significant loss”, generating “minimal business rates income”, about £45,000pa in rent compared to £165,000 operating costs.

The report states: “The market hall is currently designed to provide small retail units on the High Street, enabling businesses to test their model, grow and eventually move to their own larger town centre units. In practice, this model has not worked well for several years with several retailers remaining in the Shambles for prolonged periods, some over ten years.

“Other retailers have occupied the remaining units for varying periods. However, they have not relocated to High Street units, and the building is no longer serving its purpose of supporting business growth and town centre viability,” it adds, though the council’s description has been disputed when speaking to businesspeople at The Shambles.

Councillor Richard Eglington, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said today: “Conversations have started with a number of traders, and this has been very positive. The council will look to support all traders through business development and hope this support will allow all traders who wish to, to carry on trading.

“We understand the massive change and upheaval this will cause, and the worry and uncertainty that the proposal is having. We want all businesses to grow and thrive in Stockton.”

The council says The Shambles building is not being demolished and is an important grade II listed building in the town centre. It says the letter to traders was not an eviction notice and the council is working with the existing tenants to support them, offering to meet individually with each tenant and meeting in person with five of them last week, offering bespoke business support and advice, including business planning, exploring relocation opportunities and other funding sources.

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