A RUNDOWN shopping precinct could be revitalised if Redcar and Cleveland Council can negotiate a new land deal.

It is offering to take ownership of The Crown Estate land at Eston Precinct, near Middlesbrough, which covers part of the pavements between the shops.

That could be the key to enabling the council to make long-awaited progress on a redevelopment proposal for new shopping facilities on the site including a supermarket and other retail outlets.

Council Leader George Dunning said: "We really want to get things moving - and this could be such an important catalyst.

"It's such a shame there is now a stalemate between The Crown Estate and the proposed developer of the new shopping facilities. We have offered to take The Crown Estate land and bring it up to an acceptable standard but they have rejected our proposal.

"Our regeneration and property specialists are now seeking an urgent meeting with The Crown Estate's surveyors."

The council's cabinet member for economic development Councillor Mark Hannon added: "We've been working behind the scenes with the developer and The Crown Estate for months now as we try and resolve the issues to get the new shopping facilities delivered.

"The stumbling block at the moment is The Crown Estate. We can only do so much as a Council because it is a commercial matter between the developer and The Crown Estate but we have offered to take the land if this would be of help."

Last night, no one was available for comment from The Crown Estate, which looks after all the property and land in the ownership of the sovereign state.