A NEW group set up with the aim of protecting a town centre says a proposed development on the outskirts could drive down trade and result in more empty shops.

Protect Peterlee Town Centre (PPTC) has been set up by a group of community representatives, and businesses, with the aim of campaigning for the town.

The newly formed group is now objecting to a scheme by Quora Developments for the former East Durham College site, off Essington Way.

The company wants to redevelop it as a retail site, and has so far secured four tenants - Lidl, Home Bargains, KFC and Starbucks, with one unit yet to be filled.

Quora says the scheme will increase the retail offer in Peterlee, bring new jobs to the town and will enhance car parking, as well as improve the appearance of the site, which has been empty since 2009 and has been subject to arson and anti-social behaviour.

 

But PPTC says it will “entice” retailers from the town centre, driving down trade and emptying shops, and could mean that Home Bargains leaves its Castle Dene Shopping Centre location.

Peterlee town councillor Mary Cartwright said: “The fact that there are no new shops, just existing ones being taken away from the town centre is shocking.

“Peterlee people want more choice and a successful town centre. This proposal won’t provide either.”

Suzanne Chaney, centre manager at Castle Dene, said: “Castle Dene is a real mix of small and large retailers who form the literal heart of Peterlee Town Centre.

“I’ve been speaking to tenants and shoppers who know that far from helping regenerate Peterlee the proposals will pull trade from the town centre, reducing choice and costing jobs.

“Big or small we need to work together to protect Peterlee Town Centre.”

The group is holding its first tenants meeting tomorrow, in the Castle Eden Cafe in Peterlee, at 2pm.

No-one from Quora Developments was able to respond to the Northern Echo’s request for a comment at the time of printing.