HEXHAM'S MP shared recurring issues residents face in the constituency.

Joe Morris MP said: "I consistently hear from residents and visitors alike about their issues with parking in Hexham. While council-operated parking, with its straightforward disk system, serves the town well, private car parks continue to be a point of contention.

"Constant issues with coin-operated ticket machines at Maiden’s Walk car park have led to excessive reliance on digital tools, like QR codes and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems, to manage the site.

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"As a space often used by disabled and elderly constituents, given its proximity and hill-free access to vital amenities, the over-digitalisation of Maiden’s Walk actively alienates its users who are fined as a result. These fines have a notoriously difficult appeals process, causing additional stress for those affected.

"In rural areas, having an accessible retail offer like Hexham’s is a lifeline for villages and a huge part of our local economy, we must ensure that parking issues don’t disadvantage rural constituents or deter visitors. As such I have written an open letter to the CEO of Hozah.

"In more uplifting news, I was pleased to hear about the planned reopening of the Samson Inn - a pub at the heart of Gilsland that is now under community ownership. I thank the residents who fought so hard to reopen the Inn that means so much to local people and I look forward to having a drink at the Samson soon.

"Pubs are a lifeline in rural areas, providing a home for social interaction, boosting our local economy and supporting our tourism sector along Hadrian’s Wall. 

"That’s why I spoke in Tuesday’s (October 22) Westminster Hall debate on government support for the pubs and hospitality sector, asking that the Under Secretary of State for the Department of Business and Trade discuss how this government can support other local communities in reopening pubs that they have lost.

"Last Friday (October 18) I visited Northern Powergrid’s micro-resilience pilot project in Byrness. This first-of-its-kind project is focused on maintaining connectivity during storms for even our most remote communities.

"Born out of the lessons learned from the devastating power outages caused by Storm Arwen, if successfully rolled out the project will offer vital support for constituents during critical times. I am excited to see this level of innovation in our constituency and will be following its development eagerly.

"Later in the day, I had a fantastic visit to Northumberland College Zoo, learning about the learning opportunities they offer for young people, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities and was enthused to hear of not just the academic but also the emotional benefits for students working with animals.

"We wrapped up last week with community outreach in Ponteland with an advice surgery and Corbridge with an afternoon out on the doors speaking to residents. I am looking forward to holding my fifth surgery in Bardon Mill tomorrow (October 25) and the subsequent surgery dates that were announced earlier in the week.

“If you would like to attend any of the below dates please email joe.morris.mp@parliament.uk with a brief outline of your issue to book an appointment.”

Following surgery dates:

  • November 1 in Hexham from 9.30am-noon
  • November 8 in Longhorsley from 9.30-11am
  • November 15 in Bellingham from 2pm-4pm
  • November 22 in Allendale from 11am-1pm.