A North-East town which has a high proportion of empty shops is fighting back with the help of the local council. Dan Howlett reports.

IN January last year, Stockton town centre was branded “beyond redemption” by borough councillor Bob Gibson, who said it was “five or ten years too late” to turn around the high street’s fortunes.

The closure of the Woolworths store two years ago was followed by the departure of other well-known names, including the Swallow Hotel, Littlewoods, Ethel Austin and McDonald’s.

But since then, a £20m revamp of the town centre has been drawn up, and the council has launched a number of schemes to attract new enterprises – including free rent for start-up businesses.

One successful scheme has been the Enterprise Arcade, which allows up to five retailers to trade for free over six months to find out if they have a viable business idea.

Tracy Hart started her vintage sweet shop in the Enterprise Arcade in February.

Now she has moved out into her own town centre property.

“The Enterprise Arcade was great. There is no way I could have got to where I am with Chocs Away without it,” she said. “They give you six months to see if your business is tenable and offer all kinds of help and support in the meantime.

“All you have to provide is the stock and the insurance – everything else is taken care of.

“It’s good for businesses and it’s good for the town centre.

I am out there on my own now with a shop just off Silver Street, which is doing extremely well.”

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said the authority welcomes yesterday’s report by Mary Portas.

“Many of the ideas she puts forward are things we have developed to showcase the potential of Stockton high street – from our ambitious £20m plans to regenerate Stockton town centre to celebrating and promoting enterprise and the town’s popular 700 year old market,” he said.

“Like Mary, we believe high streets should be lively, dynamic places which is why our plans include investment in heritage buildings and the town’s cultural quarter, developing the evening economy including Arc and The Globe Theatre, and creating dedicated spaces for our exciting programme of ongoing festivals and events.

“We are also improving access for shoppers with the reintroduction of on-street parking and support for a strategy of flexible parking tariffs and car parking promotions to support the town’s economic development.

“This year, 45 businesses have set up, expanded or relocated within Stockton town centre and we are keen to promote and support town centre businesses with initiatives such as the Enterprise Arcade offering budding retailers the chance to test trade over six months.

“The council-owned Shambles shopping centre and Stockton Business Centre continue to offer affordable options for fledgling businesses and start-ups.”