A VOTE to decide the newest member of Prudhoe Town Council saw members split in two.

At the council's meeting last Wednesday, Mayor Tracy Gilmore had to use her casting vote to elect Rob Blackburn after councillors were split six votes to six between Mr Blackburn and Jonathan Wheeler.

Mr Blackburn, who is well-known in the town as the caretaker at Adderlane Academy, will represent the Prudhoe West and Halfway ward on the town council.

In his application letter, Mr Blackburn said he was "Prudhoe born and bred" and had lived in the town for 55 years.

He added: "I would love to be part of the council so I can do my bit, help out with local issues, and show support to the local community."

Hexham Courant:

Coun. Gilmore said she chose Mr Blackburn for the length of time he had lived in Prudhoe and the commitment he had given to the Prudhoe community.

Coun. Bryan Futers proposed Mr Blackburn be co-opted to the council.

He said: "I think he would be an asset to the town council. I have read through his short letter and I was very disappointed he wasn't here tonight.

"He could've asked the questions put to Mr Wheeler."

Coun. Chris Barrett added: "Rob lived in Prudhoe and h has been a part of the community for a very very long time."

The fact that Coun. Blackburn was appointed despite not attending Wednesday's meeting - unlike Mr Wheeler - which frustrated some councillors.

Coun. Jennifer McGee, who had proposed Jonathan Wheeler be appointed to the council, said: "I'm disappointed, I really am. We've always had people at the meetings to answer questions."

When it was pointed out that it was a virtual meeting, and not everyone may be comfortable with the technology, Coun. McGee continued: "Councillors are going to have to be tech savvy.

"I'm really disappointed with the way this meeting has gone. We have heard the other person speak."

Mr Wheeler was told not to lose heart, as there was a further vacancy on the town council that would need to be filled following the death of long-serving member Coun. Andy Gill. The council's clerk, Sarah Eden, added: "Councillor Chris Barret went through this process three times!"

There remains a vacancy for the Castle and Eltringham ward following the death of Coun. Martin Foster last year, but the post cannot be filled as an election was called - and local elections cannot currently be held due to the coronavirus crisis.