TOWN councillors want a former middle school site to be used for affordable housing.

Hexham Middle School moved to the existing Queen Elizabeth High School site in September, and use of the old site was discussed at the latest full Hexham Town Council meeting.

Coun. John Ord said when a housing needs association was carried out in 2016, it was pointed out there was a huge need for social housing.

"It just doesn't exist in anywhere near the quantity needed in Hexham," he said.

"Now that we have got a new school built and the middle school site is available for housing, capable of 144 houses, I don't think we can let his opportunity pass."

He added: "We have got to put pressure on them [Northumberland County Council] to make sure this one and only opportunity is used for affordable homes."

Coun. Penny Grennan said she thought it was important to define what affordable housing actually is.

Councillors Ginnie O'Farrell and Suzanne Fairless-Aitken spoke out earlier this year about their fear of the site "sitting vacant for too long" and their hope for it to become a community hub.

Coun. Kennedy originally proposed for councillors to vote on whether they want to see the site as part of an affordable housing solution for Hexham.

But Coun. Fay Hartland warned of starting off with a compromise.

"We've got to start off with exactly what we want," she said.

Councillors approved an amended proposal of the site becoming a designated affordable housing site.

The town council will now ask for the Hexham Neighbourhood Plan to be modified.

A Northumberland County Council spokesperson said: "The Council is reviewing all options for the future of the former Hexham Middle School site.

"The buildings are currently being retained as some are listed. Any listed buildings will be repurposed as part of any redevelopment scheme.

"Di and Jim's nursery which remains on-site continues to be open to families."