HAYDON Bridge’s doomed fire station has gone on the market this week – amid fears it will be sold off for housing.

But a leading councillor in the village has urged local authority chiefs to consider community needs and priorities before selling a prized asset.

Coun. Eileen Charlton, vice-chairman of Haydon Parish Council, says the site’s central location, on Station Road, could benefit the village’s elderly population.

The 1960s-built fire station is set to close in the autumn, saving Northumberland County Council around £50,000 per annum in running costs.

Earlier this summer, Haydon Parish Council held informal talks with the county council over potential future uses for the fire station.

The possibility of a community asset transfer was discussed, but councillors are cautious about taking over an ageing building.

Coun. Charlton said: “The fire station is in a strategically placed, central location, and we should have a say in what happens to it. Sadly, I believe they will sell it off for housing, which in my view, is not a priority here.”

A spokesman for Northumberland County Council said: “As we have always stressed, putting these sites on the market simply allows us to establish their value – and see how much interest there may be from prospective purchasers.

“Any subsequent development proposals would be subject to the normal planning application process.”