DEVELOPERS responsible for delays to a long-awaited, multi-million pound scheme to redevelop the former Hexham bus station site should be held accountable.

That was the message from Hexham Town Council on Monday night as it was unanimously agreed to call on Dysart to attend a meeting and explain its plans for the site on Priestpopple as a matter of urgency.

Councillors also expressed their regret at the news that interiors retailer, Dickinsons, would be closing its store in the town, adding to the number of premises standing empty.

“Dysart told us last time they came to council that the development would be completed by autumn 2018. Obviously that is not going to be the case,” said county councillor for Hexham West, Derek Kennedy.

“Dickinsons occupies a prime spot near the Abbey and Market Place. The town has far too many boarded up places at this time; the workhouse, the Links building and the bungalows on Haugh Lane are making Hexham look like a shanty town.”

The plan for the former bus station site includes six shops and 31, two-bedroom flats spread over three blocks, with underground parking, while the Ropery would be reconstructed to provide five low-cost houses and one shop.

But Dysart’s development director Mike Clark told the Courant in July that a slump in demand for brand new retail units in the town had prompted further research into the market.

Coun. Stephen Ball said: “Dysart has let this town down and should be held accountable. It will be interesting to see if they attend and explain themselves.”

Officials from Dysart are yet to respond to the Courant’s request for an update.

Deputy Mayor Coun. Bob Hull said it was important for the town council to work with the BID and the county council, including its development company Arch, if either of them became involved, to address the impact of the closure of Dickinsons.

“We need to try and find a solution to provide more jobs in the town for these people and to find a solution for the use of the premises,” he said.

“It will not be easy, but I think we need to have an urgent meeting with the county council to see how we take this forward.”