STALLHOLDERS under threat of eviction by developers may be given new units when a historic building is overhauled.

The fresh produce sellers in Stockton's Castlegate Centre may be able to relocate when the grade-II listed Shambles building, across the High Street, reverts to a food and flowers market.

The Northern Echo reported on Wednesday how retailers in The Shambles were devastated to be given notice to leave by Stockton Borough Council.

They were told the council wanted to refurbish the building and return it to its former use, in a bid to upgrade the town centre and get the most out of its assets.

Retailers in the indoor market, including one who had been there for 24 years, accused the council of turfing them out and feared for the future of their businesses.

Richard Bainbridge, whose family has owned Bainbridge Carpets for more than 20 years, said he was taking legal advice about the eviction.

However, news of the overhaul could prove fruitful for neighbouring stallholders in the Castlegate Centre, who themselves have been given notice to leave by the shopping centre's owner, Redleaf VI Fund.

So far, the plans for the Castlegate Centre have not come to fruition, but they are still very much on the drawing board.

When The Northern Echo asked some of the traders if they planned to take up the new opportunity, they were obviously aware of The Shambles impending availability, but refused to comment.

However, the council's town centre manager, Sue Burgess, said: "Obviously, should the Castlegate redevelopment come to fruition, there is an opportunity for those traders to relocate.

"However, the redevelopment is not being carried out solely with this in mind, as we believe the building will be more attractive and viable if it is returned to its original purpose."