A TOWN-CENTRE property which housed a famous North-East family business has been condemned as a mess and an eyesore.

The former Dressers store in High Row, Darlington, closed in April after more than 100 years of trading.

It was bought by Teesside developer Terrace Hill but has remained boarded up while efforts have been made to sell the property.

The company has repeatedly refused to reveal who could be in line to take over the former stationery and gifts store, and has now been told to get a move on by frustrated locals.

Terrace Hill has already bought and sold Dressers' sister store in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, to bookshop chain Ottakars.

Darlington historian George Flynn, who organises walks around the town centre, said: "It was a disaster when Dressers went, and in its place all we have now are these unsightly blue hoardings.

"It is a mess."

He added: "There is no apology in the form of a sign or even something telling people what is opening shortly.

"Everyone understands that building work needs to take place, but the property is unsightly, there is no doubt about that.

"I am on tenterhooks to find out what is happening with the place."

Albion Small, chairman of Darlington Chamber of Trade and manager of the Cornmill shopping centre, said: "Dressers is a very important site and the quicker it is sold, from our point of view, the better."

Work has been taking place to level the two-tier floor inside the building in preparation for its next tenant.

A number of national retailers, including clothing firm Gap and music retailer HMV, have been linked with the High Row property.

However, Gap ruled itself out and HMV has recently taken over a 6,000sq ft site in the Cornmill centre.

Robert Cansick, of Terrace Hill, said that a multi-national retailer was seeking to lease the site.

He said that contracts were being exchanged with a view to finalising the deal during the next seven to 14 days.