OPENHEXHAM has launched a community consultation with the aim of discerning residents’ priorities for the next four years ahead of the May town council elections.

The independent group is now encouraging residents to come forward with their ideas for making Hexham an even better place to live, work, learn, visit and do business.

Until polling day, members of OpenHexham will be a visible, socially-distanced presence across the town, inviting residents to look out for their blue and yellow banner and join the conversation. Members of the community can also visit their website (www.openhexham.org.uk) to leave their feedback on their personal priorities for the town’s future.

Commenting on the launch of the consultation, Ariane Baty, OpenHexham candidate for Leazes Ward, said: “Community consultation is fundamental to OpenHexham’s philosophy and would form the basis for all that we would accomplish as independent town councillors.

“We are out and about with our leaflets and banners in the streets of Hexham so people can talk to us without the need for technology”. Caroline Blaske, candidate for Gilesgate ward, added: “We are excited to talk to residents, in person or online, about their vision for Hexham’s future. These are exciting times for our town and we want as many people as possible to be part of it.”

OpenHexham is an indepedent group with no manifesto or party-political policy.