LIVING in Hexham, I went to watch the Tour of Britain come through the town.

I was both shocked and sad with the lack of colour on our main street. A couple of coloured bikes and very few Northumberland flags.

A lot of people, mostly visitors, passed remarks about it.

A few flags, some bunting around the shops and pubs and cafes, would have helped and something to brighten the bus station.

I heard that both Haydon Bridge and Brampton were awash with colour and I think we all saw Prudhoe on TV. I’m sure a lot of our traders did well from the visitors.

We have to try to get people to come back to our town.

Perhaps Hexham is slowly dying and no cares. When I asked friends about this, I got the answer: “Well this is Hexham!” Sad but true.

ASHLEIGH NICHOLSON

Hexham