Teesside Live
·24 Aug 2026
Redcar Footfall Rises but Shops Struggle as Locals Say 'Bring Back the Character'
Redcar town-centre footfall rose 14% year on year to 539,763 visitors between April and June, which council leader Alec Brown attributes partly to events and high-street improvements. However, the figures do not show spending, and Redcar continues to have the borough's highest rate of vacant commercial space, while further shop closures and the planned closure of the town-centre post office raise concerns about the high street's health. Brown argues that online shopping, changing habits and rising costs mean Redcar must focus on experiences, hospitality, independent businesses and its seafront rather than recreate the traditional high street. Readers remain divided, with some calling for a return to the town's seaside character and others criticizing council spending, events and the lack of practical support for local businesses.