THE CLOSURE of George Stephenson’s birthplace is merely a “pause for thought”, according to the National Trust.

The shock closure of the Wylam heritage site in January was met with anger and outrage from the community.

A petition with close to 2,500 signatures was handed to the National Trust, which has run the cottage for 68 years.

Though the trust described the move as a temporary closure, many feared the decision could lead to a long-term loss of a much-loved part of Wylam’s local history.

However last week, the National Trust moved to reassure residents that the closure would not be permanent.

General manager for Hadrian’s Wall and Tyne Valley at the National Trust, Andrew Poad, spoke at last Wednesday’s annual village meeting.

Mr Poad told the meeting that Allen Banks and Staward Gorge attract 40,000 visitors a year and Cherryburn has between 12,000 and 13,000 visitors annually.

In contrast, footfall at George Stephenson’s birthplace had been waning in recent years.

Mr Poad said: “Over the last few years visitor numbers have started dropping and visitor feedback has been somewhat overwhelming.

“There was a 26 per cent drop in visitor numbers in one year.

“Customers were voting with their feet and telling us what we were dong was not right.”

Mr Poad explained that the move was made swiftly to save staff jobs, transferring them to Cherryburn in Mickley.

Residents were offered reassurance that the closure was temporary and that steps were being taken to consider how best to take the heritage site forward.

Mr Poad said: “This is a pause for thought. Ee understand the significance of George Stephenson. We genuinely want to tell his story but in a way that’s financially sustainable.

“We will be doing something. George Stephenson’s cottage will be there and there will be an experience of some description.”

The meeting heard that the National Trust would be happy to return for further consultation events once more “concrete” ideas had been established for the future of the cottage.

Anyone with ideas can email the National Trust at: georgestephenson’s@ nationaltrust.org.uk

kathleen.moore@hexham-courant.co.uk