THE contract for a flagship Hexham Business Improvement District scheme, which ground to a halt after police were called to an incident in the street, is back out to tender.

The Town Rangers street cleaning project ceased operating in September after a young volunteer, supported by The Hextol Foundation which finds working opportunities for people with disabilities, was allegedly verbally abused in the street.

The incident, on Priestpopple on August 24, prompted the foundation to withdraw from the contract to safeguard its trainees. Police say inquiries into the incident are still ongoing.

But the BID board believes that the scheme is important and has put it out for tender again. The closing date is October 30.

The project aims to enhance the appearance of Hexham, by cleaning and maintaining the town’s busiest business streets, with a view to improving overall trading conditions for business owners in the town.

Helen Grayshan, manager at Hexham BID, said: “We received so much support from residents and businesses, who were keen to see improvements in the town’s cleanliness when our town rangers project ran previously.

“The Hextol Foundation, unfortunately, had to withdraw from the contract but we believe it is a scheme that’s very important to the town. Following this, the board carefully considered the project and decided to recommit levy payers’ funds to it, as this was the highest priority for business communities during the consultation process that led up to the BID ballot.”

Main tasks for potential partners include litter picking on public streets, steam cleaning pavements and hotspots, cleaning interpretative boards around the town and identifying maintenance and cleaning issues and reporting these to Northumberland County Council.

Eight routes will be covered on an alternating schedule, including areas surrounding the Market Place, bus station, old fire station and the railway station.

“We are, of course, disappointed that Hextol Foundation had to withdraw from the project, as it offered a very cost-effective and efficient service,” added Helen. “However, we hope this tender will allow us to find a new, local partner who is just as willing to help transform the town’s appearance and see both its streets – and its people – thrive.”