Published at 07:41, Wednesday, 30 January 2013

I HAVE every sympathy with the supporters of the Hexham Town Plan who were treated so ungraciously by the Conservative members of Hexham Town Council at its January meeting.

Whittonstall residents like Coun. Mike Dunstan feel that the area has already suffered enough from the depredations of intense industrial activity in the beautiful countryside without having to endure opencasting for six years.

The town councillors should have been thanking the town plan supporters for their hard work and commitment to improving Hexham’s future.

They should want to meet them to talk about the future of Hexham, what they can do together, what the residents have shown they want.

There are some politicians who find it difficult to listen to other people, let alone share any decision making with them.

The Hexham Town Plan, when the survey is complete and analysed, will reveal what the people’s priorities are.

Hexham councillors seem to be saying, all well and good, but there is no money if we don’t like these priorities.

It is even sadder, in today’s world, that they think they are justified in saying this.

I should have thought local councillors would want to keep in touch with their local community, with a finger on the Hexham pulse.

While the town council has been slumbering, Hexham’s prospects seem to have dipped further.

We need town and county councillors who will stand up for the town, not rest complacently on their majorities.

Hexham is important to the wider area, but it seems unable to help the county even to get parking right.

Hexham does deserve better!

JANE WRIGLEY,

Hexham

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk