THREE businesses in a town centre's high street have shut up shop.

Dewhurst the butcher, the Bon Marche clothing store and Greenwood, the gentlemen's outfitters, all based in Middle Street, Consett, have closed.

North-East bakery chain Gregg's is moving its operation in Consett into the Greenwood's store, while the building that housed the Dewhurst butcher's is scheduled for redevelopment.

David Davenport, estates manager for the Dewhurst chain, said: "Our lease expired and our landlord informed us he wanted to redevelop the premises. We had no real option but to close."

Coun Alex Watson, leader of Derwentside District Council, said the closures were not a setback in the regeneration of the town.

"It is not all doom and gloom," he said.

"I am confident that this is about improving what is happening in the town centre, rather than being a negative thing.

"We have pulled a few well-known traders into the town centre this year, such as McDonalds, Storeys Carpets and even the Wetherspoon's pub."