A DEAL has been clinched for a High Street shake-up in Northallerton.

Bettys caf is moving next door but one to the former HSBC building and the owners of that are taking over the current caf premises.

The developer behind the deal says a big name clothes retailer could occupy the building which Bettys has now.

But those hoping for a Marks & Spencer store in the town will be disappointed once again. The company has viewed 188 High Street but the premises do not fit its needs.

However, the Bettys move will yield a bigger and better caf and bring new jobs. The Harrogate-based firm says it is full steam ahead to convert the former bank, with hopes high for a summer opening.

Paul McAteer, who helped to broker the deal which brought Laura Ashley to Northallerton, said: "We have done a deal with Bettys. We bought the old HSBC building at 189a High Street and have agreed to do a swap and take over the current caf premises at 188.

"We will be converting the caf into a retail shop, but we do not have any firm details on a name at this stage. Suffice to say we are talking to some very well-known clothing retailers about moving in.

"M&S did look at the property, but unfortunately it is too narrow for their needs. We would like to do something for Northallerton and get some decent retailers in, as we think this is what the town needs.

"Having Bettys relocate will be fantastic for Northallerton. I have seen the plans and people will love the new cafe. "

A spokeswoman for Bettys said building work would start this month. "It is full steam ahead for us as we aim to move in during the summer. But there is an awful lot to do," she said.

"This is good news for Northallerton and all our customers. The shop will be bigger and so will the caf area, with better facilities behind the scenes for staff and full disabled facilities."

The firm is also working on plans for a garden room at the back of the building.

The spokeswoman added this pledge: "Bettys has always been known for its friendly and intimate atmosphere and this won't change."

She confirmed the development would mean more jobs.

"We will be recruiting shortly," she said.