A SCHEME to maximise the tourism potential of Hexham is set to be rolled out in the new year.

A draft tourism strategy for the town has almost been finalised, and will go out for consultation early in 2021.

The Mayor of Hexham, Coun. Bob Hull, updated members on the initiative at December's meeting of Hexham Town Council.

Coun. Hull said: "It will be distributed among the organisations within the tourism sector but there will be the possibility for it to go out more widely."

News of the tourism strategy comes hot on the heels of a development in another major issue which affects tourism - car parking.

In early December, Northumberland County Council formally signed a contract to secure hundreds of new parking spaces in Hexham and support the economic growth of the town.

It was announced that a new 250-space, long-stay car park would be made available at the disused 'Bunker' site, off Alemouth Road.

The new car park, which will include electric vehicle charging provision, will complement major plans for other parts of the site, where there are high profile plans for a 69-bedroom Travelodge, a Lidl supermarket, and a McDonald's fast food outlet.

Coun. Hull updated members at the meeting, confirming the 'Bunker' site car parking plan.