A NEW shopping development in Stockton has been criticised for taking business away from the High Street.

The Wellington Square complex, hailed as being the catalyst to revitalise Stockton's town centre, has left one part of town centre littered with boarded-up shops and "to let" signs, according to critics.

The £43m shopping complex opened in October, but many of the units still remain empty.

And the open-air square, which stands just behind the High Street, close to the Arc, has created problems in the winter months with people slipping in the ice.

Stephen Smailes, Conservative leader on Stockton Borough Council, said: "I said that once Wellington Square went up, parts of the High Street would be at risk because a number of main retailers did move to the complex.

"I don't think it has been the success we envisaged, and there are still a lot of empty units. Also, by not covering it up with a dome, customers have to face the elements."

Robert Harbron, a local historian, said that despite efforts by shopkeepers to clear the snow in the Square, the problem was made worse when it iced over, causing treacherous conditions for shoppers.

He said: "Wellington Square would have been much better opposite the Castlegate centre, to complement it.

"They should have filled up all the units before opening the new shopping centre.

"People who do not know the town come in and they see all the empty shops, in Wellington Square and the High Street. It is a very negative image to put out."

However, Bob Gibson, leader of Stockton council, said: "Wellington Square is an excellent, very attractive development which has added a lot of value to the town and created many jobs."

A spokeswoman from Wellington Square said: "There are lots of new, exciting things happening in the centre this year and as yet we are unable to say which new retailers are coming.

"I do not think it was a fair comment to say that all the retailers have moved from the High Street to Wellington Square. We have not taken away any trade."