HEXHAM looks set for a greener future with a town centre better equipped for pedestrians and cyclists.

Organisations in the town are keen to ensure the local economy makes a full recovery from the coronavirus lockdown.

And with non-essential shops and businesses now reopening, plans have been put forward to help them accommodate increasing numbers of visitors.

Hexham Civic Society called on Northumberland County Council to take advantage of a share of £250m which the Department for Transport has made available to local authorities to adapt their areas in the wake of Covid-19.

The society also approached Hexham Town Council, and its vice chairman Roger Higgins spoke at last week’s town council meeting, which took place via videolink.

Mr Higgins called for temporary measures to shift space away from cars, to prioritise cyclists, pedestrians, and social distancing, with outdoor space vital for smaller shops and pubs.

He suggested that the Market Place could be closed to all traffic except for delivery vehicles and blue badge holders, extending to Market Street and the top of Hallstile Bank.

The mayor of Hexham, Coun. Bob Hull, said walking, cycling, and social distancing were important issues, and that there would be a discussion once the town council had received more information from the local authority.

Coun. Cath Homer, who serves on both Hexham Town Council and the county council, representing Hexham East, said the local authority had made a bid for funding, and was awaiting a reply.

After the meeting, Coun. Homer said the county council was also launching a cycling and walking strategy.