THE loss of Scarborough Town Hall could rip the heart out of the seaside town, traders have warned.

The town’s Chamber Of Trade said proposals that would see more than 340 staff relocated from the town hall in St Nicholas Street to an out-of-town centre location would deprive businesses of vital weekday trade.

Chris Golder, chairman of the chamber, said: “Moving all of Scarborough Borough Council’s staff out of the town centre would rip the heart out of Scarborough.”