A COUNCILLOR has called for action to spruce up empty shops which he says are blighting a market town.

Guisborough town councillor Bill Clarke raised his concerns at a meeting of the town council.

He told the meeting: "There are a number of empty shops in the town centre - and some have been for a considerable amount of time. There appears to have been little or no effort to get these shops taken up and running again."

Coun Clarke said the shops were not only blighting the area but were at risk of becoming a target for graffiti and vandalism.

"Every day they remain closed, the council and owners must be losing money," he added. "These shops, including the town hall, are a serious detriment to the town centre. They are right in the centre, next to the main bus routes and bus stop.

" What kind of impression will people have of the town if they are visiting? Action needs to be taken for the future benefit of the town."

Councillors agreed to write to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Guisborough Market Town Partnership asking for something to be done to improve the appearance of the empty buildings and for assistance with the regeneration of the town.

Councillors also raised concerns over the number of hot food takeaways in the town.

Councillor Peter Spencer said: "We are attempting in the local plan to do something about fast food takeaways as to how many there can be."