Mixed response to £30m revamp
Last updated 13:29, Thursday, 26 June 2008
THE objectors may have spoken the loudest in the months approaching the planning meeting, but on Tuesday morning there was little sign of anger from the public on Prudhoe’s Front Street.
Several people told the Courant they did not wish to comment on the development – simply because they knew little about it.
Those who did speak ranged from the moderately concerned to the supportive.
“I’m in favour of the development,” said Prudhoe resident Alan Smart, (57).
“Look around. It’s not exactly salubrious. The town does need modernisation.”
Riding Mill man John Roddam, (72), agreed: “I think only good things could come of it.
“The street is starting to look a bit shabby and I think this development is long overdue.”
Kenny Toal, (35), who moved to Prudhoe four years ago, had mixed feelings.
“It could do with redevelopment so in some ways I’m quite pleased this has been passed,” he said.
“I’ve always thought you can’t oppose change too much and at the moment there’s not that much on the high street apart from takeaways.
“But I’d hate to see the businesses here suffer because of it. Part of the reason I moved to Prudhoe was that it still had a small town feel to it.”
Harry Darragh, (66), said he would rather see Front Street itself developed, adding that the Sainsbury’s supermarket would do little to keep trade in the town.
He added that people were leaving Prudhoe for days out rather than just to go shopping, and as they would need their cars to visit Sainsbury’s, the temptation would be to drive elsewhere.
Nancy Dodd, (74), also said the focus was wrong: “They need a few more shops around here, never mind a supermarket, and I think they could do something with the shops that already exist.
“It’s like a ghost town here, but this isn’t the way to change it. I don’t think the Sainsbury’s store will be much use.
“Older people won’t be going right down there to shop; you want something on your doorstep.”
Yvonne Lidgate, (51), who moved to Prudhoe 14 years ago, said: “If they’re building more houses, we need more shops, more schools and a good park for the children as well.”
Janine Wood, (31), meanwhile, said she had seen her former home town of Wallasey on the Wirral turned into a “concrete jungle” and did not want the same for Prudhoe.
“I think it’s nice as it is,” she said. “It could maybe do with some better shops, but it would be a shame if the little shops are run out of town.
“It’s one of the few old-fashioned towns left.”
