AN ESTATE agents has moved out of its rented property after deciding to buy a permanent shop on the high street.

Inglebys, which has its main office in Station Street, Saltburn, is moving into its second premises in Loftus, near Redcar.

The shop was previously vacant and derelict and was renovated, with a new roof installed, with funding from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s High Street Support Scheme (HSSS) and the Loftus Larger Works Scheme (LLWS).

Inglebys director Jason Worton said: "We are delighted to finally complete the refurbishment of our new Loftus office which we purchased in 2019, putting permanent roots down in a town which we believe so much in.

"With the assistance of the council, we were able to purchase the old Blenkinsop’s Butchers shop which had been somewhat derelict since it was vacated around 2007.

“Knowing that regeneration was key to the High Street we felt that it was time that we did our bit, and rather than continue to rent and lease our existing premises, we decided to purchase our own office, and bring another dilapidated building back to life.

“Since 1994, Ingleby’s has been synonymous with Saltburn and Skelton, and we hope to continue that success in Loftus and its surrounding areas by providing not only a sales proposition, but also a lettings service as well as a professional mortgage consultancy."

The HSSS scheme provides grant funding to improve shop or business units in Eston, Loftus, Guisborough, Saltburn and Redcar town centres.

Councillor Wayne Davies, cabinet member for economic development at the council, said: “We’re so pleased Inglebys has put permanent roots down demonstrating confidence in Loftus, and we wish them the best of luck in their new home.

“We understand how important it is to our residents that shopfronts are improved to make the town more appealing to visitors.

"The High Street Support scheme is a great way for businesses to do this, and we’d encourage local businesses to look into this funding.

"As a council, we have also submitted a multi-million-pound bid to Government to help transform Loftus High Street, and if successful, we would be able to improve more shopfronts in the town.

“Our ambitious plans also include creating a new market square to hold year-round events, delivering more business space and homes, better car parking and much more.”