Plans to demolish Hexham’s former fire station have prompted a split among readers, with some welcoming the proposed redevelopment and others arguing that the building should remain a fire station.
The former station, at Tyne Mills Industrial Estate in Hexham, is being cleared to make way for a new vehicle workshop. The project is intended to help provide the capacity needed to meet increasing service obligations, including expanded recycling collections.
Readers divided over the former station
Paul Robbie welcomed the change of use, saying: “Good news to see the site repurposed.”
Brian Thompson took the opposite view, writing: “Should still be a fire station. The one at Berwick, built at the same time and to the same architectural design, is still going strong.”
The comments followed discussion of the future of the former Hexham fire station in the latest Your Say feature. The article described the responses as reflecting affection for local places and differing views about change.
Birthday tributes and pub reopening also attract reaction
Readers also shared tributes to Ella Coulson, who celebrated her 103rd birthday at Rose Tree Care Home in Stocksfield with family and well-wishers. She is a mother of three, grandmother and great-grandmother, and said she continues to enjoy life surrounded by her loving family.
Caren Best wrote: “She’s such a lovely lady. Loved looking after her. Happy birthday Ella.” Michelle Jeffries added: “Ella is an amazing lady with such a great sense of humour and lovely character. Happy birthday, Ella.”
There was also a positive response to the reopening of The Wallace Arms in Featherstone. Hayley and Adam Howells reopened the pub on Wednesday, August 5.
Maria Carew Briggs described it as a “Lovely cosy pub, very welcoming after a nice walk around Featherstone Castle and Langley Viaduct. Had some good ales and lots of good whiskeys. Good luck.” Andrew Wright wrote: “Hope you have every success. Go smash it!”
The reactions were published by the Hexham Courant as part of its weekly roundup of reader views. The newspaper invited readers to send in their own news and photographs.