A PROSPEROUS future is predicted for Bishop Auckland as a property boom grips the town centre with empty shops and pubs being snapped up by traders and developers.

Disused premises across the town are being bought after standing empty for months as business people look to join the long-term revitalisation of the town.

Regeneration efforts, new homes and major events are helping to restore the faith of local business people who believe better times are ahead for the town.

There is also increasing interest from developers from large cities, where there is a lack of affordable commercial property, who want to invest in the town.

Since April, five companies have opened in the town including an estate agent, shoe shop and Thai restaurant.

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon is converting offices in Market Place, which are due to open in autumn.

Among those that are planning to open soon are a boutique, a financial advisor and a training scheme.

It is hoped that leading high street retailers will also start moving into the town's larger units if schemes such as the redevelopment of the bus depot into a retail centre go ahead.

Stuart Allan, a partner at Broadley and Coulson estate agents, said: "The smaller units are being snapped up by local people who are looking forward to the next two or three years, hopeful that things will continue to improve.

"The larger units will be taken if key projects, like the bus depot, are developed properly."

Vodaphone mobile telephone store has returned to its former Newgate Street unit after moving out last summer.

Town centre manager Derek Toon said: "I wanted to fill empty window space with displays but so far that idea is failing completely.

"That can only be a good thing, every time I inquire about a unit anywhere in the town, I'm told it will be occupied soon.

"We don't want empty shops but want the place busy and full of varied outlets and, thankfully, it is happening throughout the whole town."