SUPERMARKET chain Aldi, which pulled out of redeveloping a Teesside shopping precinct, has promised to find an alternative occupier for the premises.

Shop-owners, who have endured vandalism, arson attacks and break-ins, have waited more than four years for the precinct at Eston, near Middlesbrough, to be redeveloped.

Earlier this week, residents and business owners were told Aldi was pulling out.

Yesterday, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council received confirmation from Aldi that it withdrew its plans for a store in Eston because it was uneconomic.

In a letter to the council, Aldi spokesman Simon Plumb said: "Clearly, this is disappointing news for all those involved, but the scheme has eventually proved economically unviable for Aldi to proceed, with too many parties involved, with whom agreements had to be reached for the scheme to progress.

"Aldi continues to own the former Presto premises and all efforts will now be made to find an occupier for the premises as soon as possible.

"The condition of the property will be looked at in order to help the marketing of this particular unit."