Hexham Courant headlines in Hexham and Tyne Valley

10 years ago

BRIDGE FEARS: Fears were expressed for the future safety of Hexham's Tyne Bridge, after a massive hole appeared in the concrete apron below the bridge, which was discovered when the water level receded after the winter flooding. 

NEW FLATS: A planning application for flats above the former Robinson & Cowell store was submitted by Giovanni Fortini, who completed his purchase of the two-storey premises in January. Plans to convert the dilapidated Royal Hotel into 12 apartments were also confirmed by new owners, brothers Alistair and Jonathan Knowles.

A69 REPAIRS: Major roadworks were due to start on three separate sections of the A69. The resurfacing work was all to be completed at night, on stretches of road west of Hexham. Drivers were told to expect safer, smoother journeys once the work was complete.

The Mart housing development in Haltwhistle surrounded by flood water in 2014 (Image: NQ)

FLASH FLOOD: A group of residents in Haltwhistle were left devastated after flood water poured into their homes for the third time in two years. Firefighters pumped water away from the Mart after a 30-minute downpour left gardens submerged.

25 years ago

BOGUS PC: A bogus police officer was being hunted by the genuine articles in Hexham. The bogus officer struck in Argyle Terrace, apparently in an attempt to poach a parking place a woman had beaten him to.  

ALDI BLOCK SLATED: Hexham's MP Peter Atkinson condemned the decision by Environment Secretary John Prescott to block the opening of a cut-price food store in the town. He claimed Mr Prescott's action in refusing to allow Tynedale councillors to grant permission for the Aldi chain to open a store in Haugh Lane was making a mockery of local democracy. 

NEW CAR DEALERSHIP: The vacant Bishop's Garages site in Alemouth Road, Hexham - formerly a Rover dealership - was sold to a Newcastle motor dealership. Managing director of Bristol Street Motors, Ian Wilson, confirmed his firm had bought the site for an undisclosed sum. 

50 years ago

SEEING COLOUR: Parts of Tynedale received colour television for the first time when a new transmitter was erected at Redpath, near Haltwhistle. 

CHARGES: Three men appeared before a special court in Hexham charged with murdering the commandant of the Otterburn Army Training Area. 

75 years ago

SCHOOL WAR MEMORIAL: A war memorial with a roll of honour containing 54 names of old boys of the Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham, who died in the Second World War was unveiled.

100 years ago

HOSPITAL STATS: Treatment of patients at Hexham War Memorial Hospital cost an average of 6s 2d it was revealed at the annual meeting. The average length of stay of each patient was said to be 22.8 days.

BELOW STANDARD: A sanitary inspector said the condition of a woman's house in Gilesgate, Hexham, was "indescribably bad". Magistrates fined her 5s and ordered her to "cleanse and purify" the house.  

BENEVOLENT PEER: Viscount Allendale's will detailed legacies and bequests totalling over £30,000 to his family, hospitals, colleges and servants.

BAD FALL: Mr George Ritson, a slater for Messrs Charltons and Sons, sustained a shattered hip and broken arm when his ladder gave way and he fell three storeys to the ground.

125 years ago

COINS FOUND: A hoard of 80 silver coins was found inside a wall on a farm at Keenley.

BAZAAR: A three-day bazaar was held in Slaley school to fundraise for a new Methodist chapel in the village. An autographed quilt attracted great interest. 

TEA FOR INMATES: Sir John and Lady Swinburne, of Capheaton, provided parcels of sugar and tea for the inmates of Hexham Workhouse. The children were given knives, oranges and books. 

150 years ago

CHILDISH BEHAVIOUR: Several members of Hexham School Board had to be restrained when fighting broke out during a discussion on breach of privilege.

FOUL WEATHER: Rain and sleet storms, more severe than any in memory, lashed Bellingham for a day and a night. Cut timber was swept away, and a river wall at Poundfold was virtually demolished.