Mar 6, 2019
Highways England £30 million scheme to build an underpass on the A69 at Hexham’s roundabout has been met with fury from local people. Highways England explained that during the building work there would be no right-hand turn allowed.
- This would mean if you were leaving Hexham and heading to Newcastle, you would have to go westwards to Acomb and do a u-turn to head back eastwards.
- Those traveling from the west to Hexham would be diverted to Corbrige before doubling back to Hexham.
- The diversions would last from April 2019 for around one year.
Councillor Derek Kennedy said “We need improvements to the A69 and the £30 million should be spent on improvements at the Hexham West/Warden junction or Acomb junction or further dualling in the west. The underpass will provide no real benefit and is a waste of money. The proposed diversions will cause enormous problems for Hexham residents and traders. The proposed Acomb u-turn is incredibly dangerous and I do not see how this can be effective, it will cause lots of queuing on the A69.”
Derek went on to say “Our high street is struggling, I spoke to a number of traders and they all said any A69 diversion will cause them huge problems, with some saying they will likely go out of business. I am very worried that the Bunker site development of a hotel, supermarket and car park could be compromised if the developers becomes concerned at the health of Hexham. Traders at French Gardens (Euro garage site) on Rotary Way advise me they will be severely affected if the proposals go ahead. I am appalled and am calling on Highways England and Northumberland County Council to immediately pause all works and re-consider the need for the scheme. We need the Hexham and Tynedale public and traders to be consulted as the impacts are huge for all of us.”
Do you have a view on this subject let Derek know by emailing him at
Derekhexham@gmail.com
Dec 3, 2018
The Famous Hexham Christmas Market and Abbey Fair takes place on
Friday 7th Dec from 2:00 – 7:00
Saturday 8th Dec from 9:00 – 3:00
The Market Place and Beaumont Street will have over 70 stalls from local independent traders. Pop into the bustling Abbey where a number of stalls will also welcome you.
Councillor Derek Kennedy said “The Christmas Fair goes from strength to strength and with a big investment in the lights, if you want that Christmas feeling, Hexham is the place to be this weekend. We thank our friends at the Hexham Community Partnership for organising the event. Look forward to seeing you.”
For further information click the link
https://www.visithexham.net/events/%E2%80%8Bhexham-christmas-market-and-abbey-fair
Dec 3, 2018
The Hexham’s big Christmas light switch on is Friday 23 November.
The itinerary is
4:15 Bandstand – Hexham Middle school orchestra playing carols
4:30 Bandstand – Santa arrives with sweets distributed to all
5:00 Bandstand- lights switched on in the park
5:10 Market Place – Christmas Tree lights switch on
5:15 Abbey – Choir will sing carols – free hot chocolate available
5:45 Abbey – candle light service
Councillor Derek Kennedy said “Do come along to the fantastic Christmas lights switch on, further investment has been made into Hexham’s lights so they are better than ever. Our thanks to Listers Biscuit Box for supplying the sweets. Look forward to seeing you.”
Nov 27, 2018
Hexham’s Bunker site, the land between Tesco and the railway line, is out for public consultation, with a proposal for a new supermarket, hotel and public car parking.
You can meet the developer’s agent at the public consultation on
Thursday 29 November
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Queens Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham
Councillor Derek Kennedy said “The Bunker Site has been abandoned for decades. This is a significant proposed development which will bring jobs and services to the town. Public opinions are most welcome, do have your say. Once the consultation has taken place it is expected a full planning proposal will put forward in 2019.”
Oct 23, 2018
Hexham invites you to Spook Night on Saturday 27 October. From 3:00 until 9:00 the town will descend into darkness as ghosties, goblins all manner of scary monsters patrol the streets.
The Market Place is the centre of attraction with funfairs, face painting, fancy dress competitions as well as many more events. Entrance is free.
Count-cillor Derekula Kennedy said “Come along to Spooky Night it is great fun for all the family. Thanks to the Hexham Community Partnership for organising this spooktacular event. I am dieing to see you.”
Oct 9, 2018
Victorian wall mounted post boxes in Hexham at Causey Hill, Low Burswell and Maidens Walk have been stolen, it’s understood they were all stolen on one evening. The boxes have a value and are likely to be sold on.
Councillor Derek Kennedy said “I am shocked at these thefts, I’ve never heard of such a thing before. There will have been letters such as credit card payments etc that will have been in the stolen post boxes. I will be pressing the Royal Mail to re-Instate post boxes in the areas of the thefts. I would ask the public to be vigilant in case there are further instances of this crime.”
Speaking at Hexham Town Council, Police Inspector Pam Bridges said “It is suspected that the offenders travelled into Hexham and the investigation continues.”
If you have any information please ring the Police on 101.
You can also read more in the Hexham Courant here
Oct 2, 2018
Hexham’s former Tourist Information Centre at Wentworth car park has been closed since 2016 and been available to let..
The Council has been negotiating with a charity to let the building.
Councillor Derek Kennedy said “This is a key building as it is the first many visitors to Hexham will pass as they park their car. It is an underwhelming choice to have the first shop you find to be a charity shop. I would like the Council to have a bit more ambition, this would be a great location for an independent trader or a good quality clothing store as there is a large regular footfall.
Charity shops do have their place in the retail mix and I regularly donate clothes, books etc to these shops however I know lots of people want Hexham to be a thriving town and not overly dominated by charity shops. I will continue to press the Council to get the right investment into our town.”
Following a potential backlash the Council suddenly pulled out of the lease agreement with the charity and is now re-considering the options available for this important gateway site. Unfortunatley the poor handling of this situation has left the charity out of pocket due to planning application costs.
Jun 18, 2018
Tynedale Cricket Club continue with their ground improvements with the addition of a decked area from which to view the pitch and socialize with team mates and opposition after the match.
The work was able to be carried out thanks to support from Northumberland County Councillor for Hexham West, Councillor Derek Kennedy. Derek said “I‘m delighted to contribute towards the further enhancement of Tynedale Cricket Club. The Hexham based Club is a real community club, the decking provides an excellent new facility and contributes to the atmosphere at the cricket. The decking has been built to be wheelchair friendly and will provide an additional space for the many events held there.”
First X1 captain Tom Cant said “The continued improvement of the facilities at Priors Flat helps the club go from strength to strength.”
Tynedale CC would also like to thanks MKM building suppliers for their financial assistance to the decking.
Jun 7, 2018
County Councillor Derek Kennedy Hexham West has welcomed the news that a new street cleaning machine will operate in Hexham from June.
Derek said “I have received a lot of complaints from residents about the cleanliness in the town. This much needed new machine should help improve matters considerably.”
A state-of-the-art Hako sweeping machine has been bought and a driver employed to improve cleaning regimes across the town.
Hexham Town Council and Northumberland County Council are working together to deliver improved cleanliness in the town – aiming to make it a more attractive place to live, work and visit.
A new street barrow with brush and other tools have also been purchased, and will be used for manual sweeping in pedestrianised areas and the more hard to reach ‘nooks and crannies’ around the town centre.
The Hako machine will undertake regular sweeps of the town centre and also sweep pavements in all of Hexham’s housing estates on a scheduled basis.
May 23, 2018
Northumberland County Show
Monday 28 May 9:00 – 18:00
Councillor Derek Kennedy reports “The magnificent Northumberland County Show at Bywell (near Stocksfield) takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 28th May. Lots of rural activities are planned with a horse riding stunt team, a cycle stunt team, birds of prey display, gun dogs, cattle and sheep, Cumberland wrestling and lots of local and international food and drink and attractions for young children also. Over 23,000 people attended last year. Hope to see you there.”The show is held at Bywell near Stocksfield NE43 7AB, just off the A69, A695 and A68 main trunk roads, approximately 15 miles west of Newcastle and 7 miles east of Hexham.
Free car parking or
10 minutes walk from Stocksfield rail station
For more information and ticket prices click the website www.northcountyshow.co.uk
Regards
Derek
Councillor Derek Kennedy
Independent
Hexham West
Northumberland County Council
If you need to contact me please use these details:
Email – Derekhexham@gmail.com
Telephone – 01434 607669
Address – 2 Alemouth Road, Hexham, NE46 3PJ
website: www.derekforhexham.net |
