A Tyne Valley councillor has called for an open discussion on whether the county's schools should return on Monday.

Coun. Anne Dale, who represents Stocksfield and Broomhaugh, was concerned at the high levels of COVID-19 in the Tyne Valley area.

Hexham Courant:

In an email sent to council leader Coun. Glen Sanderson and CEO Daljit Lally, Coun. Dale wrote: "The statistics for Northumberland show a continued increase in the number of cases especially in the Tynedale area.

"My ward of Stocksfield, Riding Mill and Mickley all have first schools however the pupils feed into Corbridge Middle, Ovingham Middle and Highfield Middle and then on to Prudhoe and Hexham High Schools.

"The number of cases of COVID19 is continuing to increase in the County. I am therefore asking if this council would contact the Government requesting permission for the Council to close any schools where it is deemed necessary to stop the virus spreading further.

"I have total respect for all our Executive Directors and the Public Health team and have total admiration for all their work during these very difficult times and will respect their views on this matter."

Coun. Dale explained she had been contacted by a number of parents concerned about sending their children back to school.

It comes after it was announced that all primary schools in London will remain closed for the start of the new term.

Coun. Dale said: "I've been contacted by parents about the opening of schools. We want to know where we are.

"The discussion should be made open, and put out that we are concerned about the rising cases - I'm very concerned. Cases are going up and up.

"Parents need to know that the county council are looking into this carefully and that they're working with the Government.

"I'm just asking that councillors are kept informed."

The county council revealed its plans for a phased return for school children on New Years Eve. Full details can be found here.

At the time, Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director for Adult and Children's Services at Northumberland County Council said: "The health, wellbeing and safety of Northumberland’s students, teaching and support staff remains our priority, and we continue to be guided by government on the best courses of action during each period.”