TWO sub-contractors working on the new Hexham bus station site have been removed following reports of “totally inappropriate comments” made to passing schoolgirls.

Northumberland County Council and police were made aware of the incident, which happened on September 28, and prompted a warning to parents by senior leaders at Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High School.

The council pledged to fully investigate the matter and now, in an email to Hexham’s county councillors, director of local services and housing delivery Paul Jones, said two individuals had been removed.

He wrote: “They were immediately removed from site and will not be returning. The contractors on site have all been reminded that the council expects the highest standards of conduct from both its staff and those working on its behalf.”