A DERELICT site could provide a new home for a condemned weekly market if a town council has its way.

Last night (Wednesday, May 22), members of Great Aycliffe Town Council voted to pursue a proposal to relocate Newton Aycliffe Market to a site on Greenwell Road.

It follows a decision by the town centre owner, Freshwater, to terminate an agreement with the council, to stage a market in the recently revamped shopping area.

Unable to identify another site, the traders were given notice and the final market will take place on Tuesday, May 27.

However, at a special meeting, councillors agreed to approach Durham County Council for permission to use its land on Greenwell Road, near the Cubby community cafe, on a temporary basis.

Councillor Eddy Adam said the proposal would provide a temporary home for the stallholders, while improving the look of an area that has been derelict for almost 30 years.

“But make no mistake,” he continued. “The market can only be there until such a time as a new market is developed by the town centre owners or if Durham County Council releases this land to a developer.”

Councillor Arun Chandran said: “Given that Durham County Council wants to sell this land and will benefit immensely from its sale, it is not unreasonable that they should undertake any works to make it temporarily safe for public use for a market one day a week.”

Durham County Council said it is unable to comment until it has been formally approached by the town council.

Freshwater declined to comment.