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Search the Public Notice PortalA public consultation has launched on the possible permanent closure of a town centre road.
Northumberland County Council is considering whether to keep Hallstile Bank in Hexham closed to traffic after a lengthy temporary closure, which was enforced following a major building collapse.
The closure was initially implemented in July 2025 after the chimney of the Hexham Ex-Servicemen's Club collapsed, damaging the roofs of neighbouring businesses and forcing the road to remain shut for more than a year.
Damaged buildings were repaired and made safe, with scaffolding restricting access to businesses on the bank.
The neighbouring businesses Bob's Barbers, based on Hallstile Bank at the time, has permanently moved to new premises on St Mary's Chare, while Project Escape has remained closed since the incident.
The footpath reopened in October after scaffolding was removed, before the road reopened to vehicle traffic on November 2, ending a 15-month closure.
Businesses on Hallstile Bank rejoiced when the road reopened, after struggling to attract footfall throughout the period.
However, a petition from residents has been submitted to Hexham Town Council, and a formal request was made for the closure to become permanent.
The county council is now consulting with affected residents and the wider town centre properties to gather more views on the proposal.
The county council said in a letter to residents: "This would improve the environment on Hallstile Bank, reduce pressure on the roundabout on Haugh Lane, and reduce through traffic in the Market Place.
"Access will be retained for walking and cycling and vehicle access would still be available for residents."
Cllr Mark Mather, cabinet member for roads and highways at Northumberland County Council, said: "Hallstile Bank has been closed to traffic for many months following the building damage and we've been approached by Hexham Town Council on whether this should now be made permanent.
"It's important we hear the views of as many people as possible before any decision is made, so I'd encourage people to engage in either the drop-in event or online."
The county council has said that pedestrian and cycle access would be maintained if the closure goes ahead, and vehicle access would still be available for residents.
A public drop-in session will take place at Queen's Hall on Beaumont Street from 10am to 2pm on Friday, November 20, where council officers will be available to discuss the proposal in more detail.
Residents can also submit feedback online or email HighwaysProgramme@northumberland.gov.uk.
The county council has stated that while individual responses will not receive a reply, comments may be included in the final decision report to the director of local services and housing and could be made available for public inspection.
The deadline for comments is Friday, December 11.
For more information, visit https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/roads-and-streets/traffic-management-orders-proposals-and-consultations/traffic-scheme.
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