A WAR of the pies has broken out on Stockton High Street after a market trader opened a pie and peas stall outside a pub.

The stall has opened outside The George, upsetting pub landlord Craig Harker because Stockton Borough Council ordered him to remove tables and chairs from the street.

Mr Harker said it is not fair for the trader to be allowed to serve pies outside when he is not and so gave away pies for free from the pub on Saturday in an attempt to persuade the stall holder to move.

He said Stockton market and the council should be more sensitive towards existing businesses.

He said: “I have rung the market manager several times but with no joy. I was recently asked to take in the tables and chairs from outside of the pub due to not having planning permission yet the market stalls don’t require this.”

Stockton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Mike Smith said: “As The George’s recently installed food serving hatch requires planning permission, we have visited Mr Harker to advise that he needs to submit a retrospective planning application.

"We have also advised that like all commercial premises, he would need planning permission to place tables and chairs on the pavement.”

The owner of the market stall has reportedly said he is simply trying to make a living and will not move, and in any case, his home-made pies are different to those sold by The George.