Shoppers reminded businesses open after Hexham chimney collapse

Hallstile Bank has been closed to vehicles since July after the chimney of the town’s Ex-Servicemen’s Club collapsed onto next-door neighbour Bob’s Barbers.

It is expected that the repairs necessary to reopen the one-way street are still several months away.

In the meantime, residents are being urged to support the independent businesses that call Hallstile Bank home, with the county council maintaining pedestrian access from the market place.

A spokesman for Northumberland County Council said; “Many wonderful independent businesses on Hallstile Bank are very much open and need your support. Every purchase you make locally makes a real difference.

“Whilst Hallstile Bank is closed to vehicles on safety grounds due to damage to a private building on the street, pedestrian access remains open with parking available nearby.”

The bank is home to fashion store Sorella; clothing alteration service Sew n’ Sew; hair salons Le Petit Salon and Mantra; charity the Minerva Centra; and tattoo artist Northside Tattooz.

Mayor of Hexham, Coun Derek Kennedy added: “These businesses have had a fairly tough time because access is not easy. We have got to support these independent businesses at Christmas time and into 2026.

“It looks like the repairs, which are in the hands of the insurance companies, will take some months before they are completed.”

The collapse saw homes and businesses evacuated in the summer, but thankfully nobody was on the upper floors of the property and there were no reported injuries. Bob’s Barbers itself, which has been a well-known presence in Hexham for almost 30 years, has temporarily relocated to St Mary’s Chare due to the damage to its existing premises.

In August, the county council said there was “no confirmed timescale” on when Hallstile Bank would be able to fully reopen to traffic. The bank connects the market place and high street with the likes of Tesco, Aldi and Waitrose as well as exit routes out of the town.