Teesside Live
·24 Aug 2026
Redcar footfall rises but shops struggle as locals say 'bring back the character'
Redcar town-centre footfall increased 14% year on year to 539,763 visitors between April and June, following council-backed events including a dessert festival. Council leader Alec Brown argues that online shopping, changing habits and rising costs mean the traditional high street cannot be recreated and that Redcar should focus on experiences, hospitality, independent businesses and its seaside identity. However, 16% of the borough’s commercial space was vacant in 2024/25, several shops have closed and the town-centre post office is due to shut. Readers questioned whether higher footfall translates into spending, criticised the council’s regeneration efforts and called for a stronger local identity, more traditional seaside attractions and better support for struggling businesses.