Readers have been sharing their views on two stories that have prompted discussion across Northumberland, from calls for greater support for households reliant on heating oil to tributes for the retiring landlords of a much-loved village pub.
Heating oil costs
Calls for more support for the 23,000 Northumberland homes that rely on heating oil prompted a strong response from readers, many of whom said off-grid households face significant costs as winter approaches.
Jane Gibson commented: “More support? I’d say ‘any support’ would be excellent.”
Sam Oliver highlighted the cost of alternative heating, saying: “Something also needs to be in place for people in private rentals who only have an open coal fire to heat the whole house and water.”
Alec Manchester suggested: “Drop the VAT, simple, cheap to administer,” while Julia Wyllee added: “What about help for those with air source heat pumps?”
Geoff Denman also said: “Any support would be good.”
Bay Horse retirement
Readers also paid tribute to Hilda and Johnny Wright after the long-serving landlords announced their retirement from the Bay Horse Inn in West Woodburn.
Margaret Rogerson wrote: “Enjoy your retirement, you both deserve it. Had some great times in the pub.”
John Rogerson told the couple they were “retired but not forgotten”, while Denise Applewhite recalled “many, many great times” at the Bay Horse.
Rachel Robson added: “Well deserved, but we'll miss you.”
Hexham bus station site
The reintroduction of parking charges and renewed plans for apartments on Hexham's former bus station site also prompted discussion among readers.
David Burnett commented: “They need to sort the ground out before they charge for parking.”
Pauline Johnson Wallis said: “It’s a total eyesore. A disgraceful sight in the centre of a historic town. At the very least it needs a good tidy up.”
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