Safeway doubles its money and offer is accepted

A special meeting of Teesdale District Council took place on Wednesday behind closed doors to discuss the latest development in the ongoing saga. But the D&S Times has learned that the latest offer, double Safeway's previous one of £80,000, was accepted with conditions attached.

The 60 square metre strip of land has been at the centre of attention since June last year when a dispute arose between Safeway and Teesdale council about its value, following the purchase of surrounding plots which turned it into a "ransom strip". Building of a new supermarket came to a halt.

The firm's latest offer follows on the back of a rival bid of £150,000 tendered by David Alcock and Partners, a Midlands-based firm of consultants. That firm is now believed to have withdrawn its offer.

Safeway spokesman Mr Peter Sitch said, "It is true that we have tendered a new offer for the site, but the amount is a matter between ourselves and the council."

Teesdale council's chief executive Mr Charles Anderson was also remaining tight-lipped and would make no comment about what had gone on at the meeting.

Meanwhile businessman Mr Brent Stephenson of Staindrop is pressing ahead with a public meeting on Thursday in the Witham Hall in Barnard Castle at 7pm. The purpose will be to discuss the future of Barnard Castle as a shopping centre, focusing on the Safeway site.

Mr Stephenson, whose earlier public meeting in January was attended by more than 200 people, said residents had a right to know what was going on.

"Even if the council has accepted £160,000 it is a bad deal for council tax payers compared with what could have been achieved two years ago. I only hope the council has got a laid down timetable when it has got to be built by," he added.

Mr Anderson said neither he nor the council as a body would attend the meeting, but if individual councillors wished to go it was up to them.

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