HEXHAM MP Guy Opperman has once again called for a review into National Trust over a Tyne Valley landmark.

Mr Opperman has urged a "formal review" into the trust over its decision to close properties - including George Stephenson's cottage in Wylam.

Posting on Twitter, Mr Opperman wrote: "This has now gone national given the National Trust's loss of their core purpose, closures, job cuts, approach to finances and treatment of local representatives.

"Over four years ago the National Trust failed to support, and then closed - without any consultation - George Stephenson’s birthplace, in Wylam.

"Stephenson is one our greatest pioneers.

"The Trust are choosing the wrong path to go down, and as an organisation they need a review of their core purpose and objectives, similar to the recent Glover review into National Parks, and advice on utilisation of their vast reserves, not job cuts and further closures."

Hexham Courant:

It's been a month since Mr Opperman first called for a review of the organisation, which operates visitor attractions such as Stephenson’s Cottage in Wylam and Wallington Hall in the district, for its decision to sack many of its curators.

This, claimed Mr Opperman, was a ‘disdainful’ move given that the trust had more than £1bn in the bank.