A BUDGET fit for unprecedented times has been approved for Hexham in 2021/22.

And that means an emergency fund which has supported many of the town's community organisations, will continue to be available in the next financial year, starting in April.

Hexham Town Council approved the budget at its latest meeting, which took place via videolink on Monday.

It had earlier been drawn up by the authority's finance and general purposes committee.

Chairing Monday's meeting, the Mayor of Hexham, Coun. Bob Hull said there would be an increase of less than two per cent for the coming year, taking the total increase over the past three years to about four per cent.

He said: "We have used a substantial amount last year for the Covid emergency fund that remains available for applications for funding."

The emergency fund, launched after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, was to support local charities and community groups which had been hit hard during the unprecedented circumstances.

It was originally extended in December, when the council revealed that Hexham's Adapt Café, the Forum Cinema, Hexham Community Centre, Hexham Youth Initiative, Minerva, the Torch Centre, Transition Tynedale and the West Northumberland Food Bank, have all received grants of between £350 to £5,000-plus.

Coun. Hull said the unusual circumstances had altered the town's spending plans.

However, there will be an increase in provision for maintenance and repair at the town's popular play areas, and for developing the town plan.

The allocation for tourism support will see a slight reduction, although Hexham's tourism arm will be boosted by a multitude of other external schemes, including ongoing development projects at major sites in the town.

And the town council is currently working to upgrade welcome signs at the town's gateways, as well as other information points.

Coun. Hull added that the number of regular activities had understandably reduced during the pandemic, while postage costs had gone down due to increased internet correspondence.

Hexham is known for it's colourful Christmas lights display, which is planned to continue next December.

However, with no additional light displays expected to be added to the current offering, the budget for Christmas lights has been reduced.

Coun. Hull added: "I think that gives us a good base for the council moving forward.

"We have put ourselves in a good position."

Organisation can apply for emergency funding by emailing the town clerk via clerk@hexhamtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Further information is available from the town council on (01434) 609575 and online via hexhamtowncouncil.gov.uk.