LOCAL people are being urged to share their views on proposed improvements to Hexham’s town centre.

Dozens of residents have already made their views known but Northumberland County Council is keen that everyone who lives in, works in or visits the town has a chance to feedback on plans. 

A display outlining the proposals will be in the foyer of the Queen's Hall until Sunday, May 15 for residents to give their views. They can also submit their thoughts online.

The streetscape scheme focuses on improvements to the visual appearance of the streets and pavements, and to pedestrian and road safety in the areas of Priestpopple, Cattle Market and Battle Hill. 

READ MORE: https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/20137833.b-m-say-car-parking-maidens-walk-hexham-negatively-affecting-trade/

It will involve upgrading materials so they are more in keeping with the historic surroundings and Hexham Conservation Area, and also increasing greening within the streetscape. 

The improvements are part of the Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme (HSHAZ), which is part of a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England designed to secure lasting improvements and help breathe new life into historic high streets for the communities and businesses that use them.  

The Hexham HSHAZ has been developed by Northumberland County Council and key partners and is backed by a wide range of community and business stakeholders.  

Northumberland County Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for business said:  “The proposed scheme has been developed to help revitalise Hexham’s historic town centre making it a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work, invest and visit, while also preserving the Conservation Area status of the town centre.    

“We hope everyone involved in the town – those who live, work or visit it – will take the time to view the proposals, either at the exhibition, or online, and give us their views.”  

The proposals have been developed by landscape architects Southern Green, who has worked alongside Northumberland County Council officers to review the existing high street.  

Improvements to buildings are also being considered as part of the HSHAZ programme but this project solely focuses on the streetscape.  

Residents can give their feedback on the public realm proposals until Sunday, May 15.  

Online comments can be made to haveyoursay.northumberland.gov.uk