NORTHUMBERLAND County Council’s decision to stop statutory notices going in the Hexham Courant has removed a vital ring in the chain of democracy.

That’s the view of Newbrough resident David Penn, who is incensed that details of planning applications and road closures have not been published.

Mr Penn was one of several residents who, in November last year, voiced concern about plans for a 16-home housing development just off Newbrough’s Butt Bank.

No formal planning notice was put forward for publication by the county council, but the Courant became aware of the scheme, and ran stories over two consecutive weeks.

Mr Penn said: “Publishing statutory notices in the local newspaper is a vital part of the chain of democracy.

“Often that is the first place people go to find out about these things. You scan the pages of the newspaper to find out if there are any public notices affecting your area.

“The county council should be investing in local media. It’s part of the cohesion of the county, and I am angry that the public is being deprived of this vital information.”

Elsewhere within the parish, a road closure later this month will affect residents in the small community of Allerwash. The closure was advertised in the Northumberland Gazette , but not in the Courant .

Allerwash resident Michael Kirkby said the closure would mean a diversion of over a mile for some householders.

He said: “For those with a car it won’t be a problem, but I don’t know if Church Lane will be open to pedestrians, and it will be a long walk into Newbrough.

“We can accept a road closure when work is necessary. The point is we weren’t informed about it.

“A notice has been stuck on to a sign post, but it’s not very obvious and you do rely on the local newspaper to find out about these things.”