BUSINESSES have united to save an indoor market from closure.

Traders at the Clifford Centre Family Indoor Market, in Stanley town centre, received notices telling them to leave last month.

Former centre director Michael Smith informed the traders that Stanley Markets Company was subject to a winding up order.

He said the centre was being closed and businesses had three weeks to find new premises.

But following a meeting traders decided to unite and came up with a new company. They are planning rename it the People's Market and form a committee to make decisions as a group.

Joe Keeler, owner of Media Mart, said: "Three weeks ago we thought we were losing our businesses.

"People were crying because they thought we were all going under.

"The morale wasn't very high when we found out, but once everyone got together we realised we could make this work.

"All the traders got their heads together and we have managed to save the market. We had to because it was our businesses and our livelihood."

The centre, on the site of Stanley's former Presto store, opened in October 2002, and attracted more than 6,000 visitors to its launch event.

By April 2003, half of the tenants had left, creating financial problems for the market's management.

In June, Derwentside District Council sent in bailiffs after it had outstanding business rates of £55,000.

There are currently 18 units being used out of a possible 70.

Stalls include computer equipment, DVDs and videos, food, clothing alterations, electrical goods and an amusement arcade.

A new caf and sports stall are due to open next week.

Mr Keeler hopes the company will mark the start of a new dawn for the indoor market. He said: "We are all chuffed to bits about the new arrangements. It is fantastic.

"It is great news, not just for the traders for the town as a whole because what Stanley needs is a good indoor market.

"We would like to appeal to anyone thinking of starting a business to get in touch because it is an ideal opportunity."

Rent for a single stall costs £60 a week. For more information, call Mr Keeler on (01207) 299 600.