Plans to move businesses in The Shambles market hall in Stockton town centre have been dropped.

The proposals to market The Shambles as a food and drink venue, and relocate its current businesses, sparked worry and concern among traders in July. It led to dramatic scenes at a meeting of Stockton Council's cabinet where leaders were heckled by frustrated businesspeople from the 19th century shopping centre.

Traders had described the proposals, which would have "required vacant possession" as part of regeneration plans to fit with the forthcoming Stockton Waterfront urban park, as "heartbreaking". They said they felt "stuck in limbo" , uncertain and worried they might not be able to afford to move elsewhere and might have to shut down.

Now, council leader Councillor Lisa Evans has a

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