NEW life could finally be breathed into a rundown eyesore on Teesside that has been plagued by drug addicts, drunks and shoplifters.

The owners of a derelict bingo hall, in Stockton High Street, are to decide in the next month how the land should be developed and whether new planning permission is needed.

Jonathan Marsh, of Northern County Leisure, said he had already been granted permission to build three bars with adjoining courtyard on the bingo hall site, between the High Street and West Row.

However, he said, the company had found it extremely difficult to find new tenants for the proposals and could be forced to look at other ideas.

"The problem we have with this site is we are struggling to secure tenants to go in there," he said.

"Stockton has gone quiet on Friday and Saturday nights - it's not like it used to be. We are very conscious that we need to get that site developed and we will be developing it in some shape or form.

"But we may have to review the situation and possibly look at retail."

Mr Marsh said a decision would be made in the next month, but it may take a while to bring the plans to fruition.

The news of the development comes after a number of neighbouring businesses raised concerns about the derelict hall.

It has already been set on fire twice, leading to severe water damage for neighbouring premises, and only weeks ago, burglars broke into the bingo hall and then smashed their way through the wall into Nobles Amusements.

Cheryl Pickering, manager of neighbouring Supercigs, said she just wanted the site developed.

"It's not so bad now it's been boarded-up at the back, but there are still fire risks," she said.

"All we hear is rumours. I think we deserve to know what is going to happen to it. We really don't care what it is, so long as it is developed. But I think we have enough pubs - a shopping mall would be nice."

And Patrick Golden, who owns Legends and Goldies bars, said: "They have boarded the hall off, but I think people are still getting in there and using it as a hangout.

"There is no doubt that it will definitely be set on fire again, unless something it done. I would love it to be a casino."