PREPARATIONS for Redcar's new £26m shopping centre have been inspected by the town's mayor.

Coun Vilma Collins visited the site for the new Regent Walk development, near Wilton Street, and saw how demolition work is paving the way for building to start.

The scheme, which will include a Morrison's supermarket, 23 shops and parking for more than 650 cars, is a partnership between developers Teesland, the regional development agency One NorthEast and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Thousands of leaflets are being distributed, advising shoppers of changes to car parking arrangements and how the phased development will be organised over the next 17 months.

Pat Denney, Redcar Business Association chairman, said: "We are emphasising and reassuring our customers and visitors that Redcar is open for business as usual."

McAlpine contract manager Phil Langton said: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused, but unfortunately it's necessary to get the job off the ground."