HEXHAM MP Guy Opperman and Northern Powergrid have held a public meeting this week with local community groups and parish councils to prepare for future storm events.

Parish and community representatives from Allendale, Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Humshaugh, Newbrough, Hexham shire, Slaley & Great Whittington attended the meeting.

Storm Arwen in November last year left thousands of homes without electricity and water services – many for several days.

The meeting gave residents an opportunity to ask questions on what structural improvements are being made to prevent a similar situation happening in future.

There is funding of up to £20,000 available for parish councils with a resilience plan for a community hub, and Northern Powergrid announced during the meeting that Great Whittington Parish Council's £4,000 bid for funding had been approved.

Paul Glendinning, Policy and Markets Director at Northern Powergrid, said: “We were delighted to be able to announce the first batch of approved funding through the Northern Powergrid Foundation including to support a warm hub at Great Whittington Village Hall. This will be able to provide heating and cooking facilities for residents in the event of future power outages.

“We have been working closely with Guy Opperman, Northumberland County Council and the Local Resilience Forum and look forward to announcing more successful bids across the region shortly.

“Northern Powergrid would like to thank everyone who came to the meeting. It was great to see so many in attendance to discuss how we can work together to support community resilience.”

Mr Opperman said: "My thanks to all who came as we make progress on the significant funding for community resilience locally from Northern Powergrid."

The MP and Northern Powergrid are holding another meeting in Bellingham Town Hall on Friday, September 30, from 6pm – 7.30pm.

To signup for the meeting, visit www.guyopperman.co.uk/winter-preparedness-public-meetings or call 01434 239205.

The application form for NPG's community fund is also available via the web address.