A DISUSED factory could be given a new lease of life as a venue for an indoor market and car boot sale.
Nobles Promotions Ltd has applied for planning permission to stage markets at the former Schmitz Cargo Bull factory on Harelaw Industrial Estate, near Stanley.
The company has operated car boot sales at the former Ever Ready factory unit at nearby Tanfield for the last 10 years, but says it is being forced to look for an alternative venue due to vandalism and the theft of wiring at the premises.
The 50,000sq ft Schmitz Cargo Bull factory and 500-space car park has been vacant since the trailer company took the decision to centralise its operations in Warrington last year.
Nobles has submitted a planning application to Durham County Council to operate markets and car boot sales on the site on Sundays and Bank Holidays for a 12-month period.
The company says its sales at Tanfield currently attract around 100 sellers and 1,000 members of the public and similar numbers would be expected at Harelaw if the application is successful.
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