MARKET traders fearing for their jobs amid regeneration plans have been offered a new location.

A number of stall holders have said they could lose their business if plans for the Castlegate Centre, Stockton, are approved.

Owners Redleaf VI Fund wants to demolish the seven indoor market stalls and use the space for up to three additional shops, with upstairs storage, plus a ceiling facade.

The project is dependent on planning permission being approved and the company finding interested retailers.

Stockton Borough Council is offering to help traders relocate to the outdoor market or find premises elsewhere in the town.

In the meantime, the authority has agreed a market improvement plan for the 120-stall outdoor market in the town centre.

Sue Burgess, Stockton's newly appointed town centre manager, said she would help traders through the transition.

She said: "We value the long tradition of market trading in Stockton and would not wish to lose businesses which have provided a service to the town for so long.

"I am hopeful that, working together with Castlegate Shopping Centre, the market and owners of vacant retail premises, we can reach a mutually beneficial solution."

Councillor Bob Cook, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "We welcome the news that the owners of Castlegate wish to improve their premises and the retail on offer in Stockton town centre and will do whatever we can to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved for everyone concerned."

Butcher Dennis Marley, 73, who has run a stall since 1973, said: "I'm pleased the council are supporting us. We've been here a very long time.

"Someone from the planning department came to see us and said they would keep us informed of any developments. She said they'll do all they can to help us move to another unit. But we've looked into that and they're very expensive."

A decision over the plan could be made next month.