ANGRY traders in Darlington say a boarded-up patch of land outside their shops is attracting tramps and rats.

The rubbish-strewn site in Clark's Yard was exposed to shoppers yesterday after heavy winds on Thursday night blew down the boards.

Among the litter was pillows and duvets placed in trenches dug into the ground, suggesting that people were sleeping rough there.

The land is owned by Howard Developments, which plans to build 11 flats there.

The company could not be contacted by The Northern Echo for comment yesterday.

Shopkeepers branded the site an eyesore last night and said they feared it would stop Christmas shoppers visiting the yard.

Terry Farr, who owns the Cheese and Wine Shop, said: "I think it could be a health hazard. It attracts tramps and truant children who hide in the trenches.

"It is just a tip. Everybody throws rubbish over there. I have applied for a rate rebate because of the state of it. It is not good for trade."

Lorraine White, from the Not The Norm jewellery workshop, said she believed the site was attracting rats.

"This has been going on for a while, I think about 18 months," she said.

"It is right opposite us and it is disgusting to look at.

"Every time it is windy the boards blow down. To be fair to the developers, they put them back up quickly, but we just want the place sorting out.

"Does the council really want Christmas shoppers walking past this?"

Marlene Delucia, owner of Blends restaurant and coffee shop, said: "It would be nice to find out when something is going to be built there, as we thought it would be finished by now.

"Someone is definitely coming on a night, climbing the boards and sleeping there."

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: "We have not had any reports about environmental health problems but we have had our officers out to look at the site.

"We have contacted Howard Developments and told them to get it sorted."