Work to develop Hexham's old bus station welcomed in town

The plot was purchased by Dysart in 2016, but plans to develop it never materialised and the bus station has decayed significantly in that time.

Recent work to improve the town centre as part of the Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone project reignited calls to do something about the state of the site.

The old bus station site (Image: Northumberland County Council) In February, Hexham Town Council passed a motion calling on Northumberland County Council to take enforcement action to force the owners to tidy the site. The county council say it has now taken the appropriate action amid ongoing concern from local residents.

However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that Dysart proactive inspects the site as part of its routine, and the work is scheduled as required.

Cllr Trevor Cessford, who represents the Hexham Central with Acomb ward, said: “This is welcome news. Councillors from across the political spectrum have been pushing for this site to be cleaned up.

“It is an eyesore, and it was looking all the worse due to all the positive work by the county council to improve Priestpopple through the Heritage Action Zone.”

The two-acre site remains up for sale, with the price available on application. The county council has held talks in the past over repurchasing the site, but has been unable to reach an agreement with Dysart on the price.

Cllr Cessford continued: “Pressure must be maintained to ensure that Dysart is far more proactive in finding a use for the site. I am hopeful of seeing some positive news in the coming months, but I appreciate that the site has had many challenges in finding a new purpose.”

The old bus station was closed in 2016 on the completion of a £2.28 million replacement close to Hexham Hospital.