SOME of the traders left without premises when the former InShops centre in Consett town centre closed have moved into the nearby Derwent Centre.

Vacant units on the Middle Street arcade have been refurbished and house five businesses from the now defunct centre.

The official opening was held today (Monday, February 10) and the Derwent Centre is now full.

Claire Lambert, lettings manager of Gateshead-based Thrower Stone Group, which manages the Derwent Centre, said: “They are over the moon. It is amazing.

“It was quite empty and there was no footfall so we hope these new traders will bring people back in and the word of mouth will spread.

“It is about putting something back in for the community.”

InShops has gone into liquidation after announcing its centres across the country were closing early in the New Year.

The move left about 20 small traders in Consett without premises, but homes have been found for the newsagent, jewellery stall, tattooist, bag and luggage shop and clothing store.

Valerie Hawdon, from Leadgate, who runs Hawdon 4 Handbags, said: “It is really nice and it is starting to pick up now that we are all in here. I really like it.”

Legal discussions are being held to determine the future of the former InShops building between the London-based property company Serenity, which owns it and supermarket giant Morrisons, who are thought to be responsible for the lease.