THE owner of a Stanley furniture shop, which is about to close, has blamed the local authority for the town's slow economic death.

After 40 years of trading in the ex-mining community, Conroys' business will be transferred to the company's store at the Gateshead MetroCentre.

Owner and managing director Michael Conroy, whose parents launched the family business in Stanley, said yesterday: "I am a Stanley lad born and bred and this is where it all started back in 1960.

"Although business at all our other stores is booming, Stanley is in decline."

Mr Conroy said his comp-any's decision reflected an overall decline in business in Stanley and put the blame partially at the feet of Derwentside District Council.

"I think the council has failed Stanley when compared with Consett. The town is on hold and I am concerned about its future.

"For example, the King's Head site is no nearer to being developed than it was three years ago.

"The town is attracting very little new housing, which it needs to do if it is going to attract new residents and new revenue for Stanley.

"Compare this to the other two major towns in North West Durham - Consett and Chester-le-Street - where new house sales are booming."

The Conroy's furniture empire includes five more furniture stores, at North Shields, Stockton, Washington, Darlington and the MetroCentre.

District council leader Alex Watson defended the authority's record on Stanley, while admitting Conroy's closure was a blow for the town.

He said: "It is extremely sad news. It has been a household name on Derwentside for years.

"However, I have to say that the council is committed to the regeneration of Stanley and various projects, including Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate and the proposed development of King's Head Park illustrate that.

"We are continuing our endeavour to attract investment to the area."