A MEETING inviting people to hear plans for the future of their town will be held at the weekend.

The recently formed Hexham Hub is inviting residents along to find out plans for the town in an event to be held in Hexham Abbey’s Great Hall on Saturday between 10am and 3pm.

The hub is a collaborative partnership between Northumberland County Council, Hexham Town Council, Hexham Community Partnership, Advance Northumberland and other stakeholders in the town.

The Hexham Hub initiative was instigated by Northumberland County Council as part of its countywide scheme to provide forums in town centres, with similar ventures started in Alnwick, Ashington, Berwick, Blyth and Morpeth.

According to the council, the hub will bring together strategic partners to ensure a cohesive approach to the development, prosperity and community of the town, will strive for a thriving retail, business, living, tourist and evening economy and will respect the town’s history and heritage, and its neighbourhood plan as it develops.

Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for Economic Development at Northumberland County Council, said: “The county and town councils, the community partnership, Advance and other stakeholders will work together through this new hub to ensure a joined-up approach to the future prosperity of the town.

“As with other town groups we want local people to be involved and have their say on the future of their town and this will be a key element as we go forward.”

County councillor for Hexham East, Cath Homer, said: “I’m delighted to launch the Hexham Hub and to showcase some of the exciting developments that we and our partners have planned for our town in the near future.”

Stands at the event will show recent successful projects in Hexham, plans for two new schools, refurbishment work at Wentworth Leisure Centre and a summary of the work so far on a project aimed at improving the Market Place.

Developers will also be there to talk about their plans for some key sites in the town - the ‘Bunker site’ on Alemouth Road, the old Hexham Swimming Pool site on Gilesgate and the old Workhouse and adjacent site on Corbridge Road.

Those attending will be able to find out more about the new movement, Discover our Land, which aims to share and celebrate everything that is great about Northumberland, for those who want to invest, live, work or visit the county.