HEXHAM Town Council’s criticism of Northumberland County Council’s withdrawal of public notices from the Courant has been met with a ‘wishy washy’ response.

The town council had levelled heavy criticism in a letter to Northumberland County Council’s chief executive Steven Mason.

Writing on behalf of the town council, Coun. Cessford said: “The local community has been short-changed by the county council and considers, as the Hexham Courant has been critical of the county council administration on several issues, that revenge has been taken.”

At a meeting of the town council, Coun. Cessford said a letter he received from Mr Mason in response was disappointing.

He said: “The letter I got back from Mr Mason was a bit wishy washy.

“It didn’t address anything.

“He said he couldn’t comment because of purdah, which I don’t necessarily agree with.”