HALTWHISTLE Partnership is set for a bright future as it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

That’s the message from project manager Andy Dean, who said the not-for-profit organisation is now self-sufficient and not reliant on external funding.

This was due to buildings the partnership has acquired since it was established in 1997 to lead community projects in Haltwhistle and the surrounding parishes.

Speaking at a meeting of Haltwhistle Town Council, Mr Dean said the decision to create four flats in a Grade II listed building owned by the partnership in Haltwhistle Market Place was key to generating income.

The flats were completed last year and made available for rent. Mr Dean said a tenant was being sought for a one bedroom flat at the property.

Earlier this year, the large retail space on the ground floor of the building was occupied by Centre of Britain Army Stores.

Mr Dean added: “Haltwhistle Partnership has achieved quite a lot over that 20-year period.

“Years of austerity in the public sector hit the partnership hard, and there have been changes in its activities and output in recent years.”

The partnership owns several buildings in Haltwhistle, including the old water tower at the railway station, where youth initiative Young & Sweet has been based in recent years, on a reduced rent arrangement.

A new use will be sought for the water tower, with Young & Sweet set to move into larger premises, at the former Hillside care home.

Mr Dean said that Northumberland County Council has now agreed a freehold transfer of the Hillside building to the partnership, so it can be made available for use by Young & Sweet.

He added: “The county council is letting us have the building at a peppercorn rent of £1 a year.

“The role of the partnership is to enable things to happen in the community.”

The partnership will continue to run its long-established luncheon club and other activities for older people, as well as its popular community garden project.

Haltwhistle Partnership will celebrate its 20th anniversary at its AGM, in the community room at Haltwhistle Memorial Hospital, on September 6.