In May 2017, the big news was that the Tories had "tightened their grip" on Hexham Town Council from 11 to 12 of the 14 councillors.

In May 2021, the Tories lost that grip as they were ousted by a combination of Open Hexham, independents, Lib Dems and Labour, reducing their presence to only three councillors.

This is breathtaking change but readers of the Hexham Courant had to get to page seven to read the news about what had happened in their own town.

The cover majored on the county council Tory victory - and even managed to mention the Conservative victory in the by-election in Hartlepool which is not even part of Northumberland.

This is a slap in the face for Hexham voters and our fine newly elected councillors.

It would have been nice to have seen their faces on the front page and a reflection from our local MP Guy Opperman about his party's trouncing.

JIM AND LIZ GREER

Oakwood