THE second phase of a major scheme to spruce up the centre of a Tyne Valley town is in the pipeline.

Last year, Northumberland County Council awarded Hexham Town Council grant funding to the tune of £4,500 for a deep clean of the town’s streets.

Hexham town councillor Tom Pearson announced that phase two of the project will include work in the Market Place, Market Street, Priestpopple, and Hencotes.

The news comes after the first stage of the scheme, in spring 2019, saw deep cleaning carried out on Fore Street, St Mary’s Chare, Beaumont Street, and Battle Hill. A new road sweeper for Hexham has also been purchased within the last two years.

Coun. Pearson said: “It is important to maintain the high standards in Hexham town centre.

“The town’s new road sweeper was implemented relatively recently and these deep cleans add to the look and feel of the town centre, making it a more attractive place to visit.”

The news was welcomed by Hexham’s deputy mayor, Coun. Steve Ball.

He said: “This is a very worthy scheme for both residents and visitors alike, and it’s important that we take a pride in the appearance of our historic streets.”

The scheme will complement the efforts of businesses in Hexham to reopen the town following lockdown.

Hexham Community Partnership is also offering support to local independent businesses to help them prosper.