THE leader of Northumberland County Council has announced plans for multi-storey car parks in market towns across the county - including Hexham.

Coun. Grant Davey has revealed he aims to provide residents, workers, shoppers and visitors with much-requested extra parking spaces and Hexham, Morpeth, Ashington and Cramlington are the first towns earmarked to benefit.

However, the leader of the Labour administration has admitted that exact locations and costs need to be further explored, but says he wants the projects included in February's council budget.

"Our investment in our market towns is about regeneration, making sure all of them thrive both now and into the future," said Coun. Davey.

"It's important we look now at our future needs and address them. I want to secure provision in our forthcoming budget to move these plans forward."

He added that the car parks would be funded by the financial success of the administration selling the redundant County Hall site at Morpeth for developments, while moving into a smaller HQ in Ashington.

Coun. Davey said the council has already identified opportunities to generate more than £33m in capital income, contribute significantly to economic growth and regeneration and make annual savings in running costs of £2m by selling off its surplus buildings and ensuring all its remaining properties are fit for purpose.

Pick up this week's Courant for reaction to the announcement.