Guisborough traders breathed a huge sigh of relief this week as a major threat to Christmas shopping was lifted.

Businesses were stunned by news of Transco plans which could have paralysed a chunk of the shopping area.

Traders were fearing the worst as Transco prepared to start six weeks of work in Challenor Street on November 13.

The gas supply giant said the work had been scheduled for safety reasons and agreed with the Health and Safety Executive.

But after an outcry from Guisborough business association, the work has now been put back until the new year.

Association chairman Mr Stan Frank spent days trying to head off a seasonal disaster for his members.

And yesterday he received news from Transco that an alternative site would be chosen for that particular work slot.

The Guisborough scheme is now likely to start in the early part of January.

"I'm so relieved," said Mr Frank. "This is great news. I am glad Transco has listened to our appeal and found an alternative site for the work. It has pulled us back from the brink."

The development also safeguards Christmas events which take place in Challenor Street and the late-night Christmas shopping special.

To help boost trade, Redcar and Cleveland council has already agreed to suspend work on the Westgate cobbles with all barriers being down by the middle of November.

The Transco work would have been devastating and some traders had said they might as well 'shut up shop' while the project was on.

Town council chairman Coun Brian Whiteley had pledged to back traders in their bid to get the works postponed.

"Guisborough is only a small market town and could not absorb a blow such as this," he said.

The Transco spokesman said the main was due for replacement as a matter of safety and thanked members of the business association for their co-operation during recent talks on the issue