Heating bills, a much-loved pub farewell and the future of Hexham’s former bus station site have prompted strong reactions from readers across Northumberland.
The responses were published in a Hexham Courant Your Say feature covering three issues: calls for more help for households using heating oil, tributes to Bay Horse Inn landlords Hilda and Johnny Wright, and renewed discussion about parking charges and apartment plans at the former bus station site.
Calls for help with heating costs
Readers responded after calls were made for greater support for the 23,000 Northumberland homes that rely on heating oil. Many said households that are not connected to the gas network face significant costs as winter approaches.
Jane Gibson wrote: “More support? I’d say ‘any support’ would be excellent.” Sam Oliver focused on people living in private rented homes, 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 a tax change, writing: “Drop the VAT, simple, cheap to administer,” while Julia Wyllee asked: “What about help for those with air source heat pumps?” Geoff Denman added: “Any support would be good.”
Tributes to Bay Horse landlords
The retirement of Hilda and Johnny Wright, who had been long-serving landlords of the Bay Horse Inn in West Woodburn, also drew warm messages from readers.
Margaret Rogerson wrote: “Enjoy your retirement, you both deserve it. Had some great times in the pub.” John Rogerson described the couple as “retired but not forgotten”, while Denise Applewhite recalled “many, many great times” at the pub.
Rachel Robson added: “Well deserved, but we'll miss you.” The article included an image supplied in connection with the Bay Horse retirement.
Former bus station site criticised
Discussion also centred on the reintroduction of parking charges and renewed plans for apartments on Hexham’s former bus station site.
David Burnett wrote: “They need to sort the ground out before they charge for parking.” Pauline Johnson Wallis described the site as “a total eyesore” and “A disgraceful sight in the centre of a historic town”, adding: “At the very least it needs a good tidy up.”
The published responses reflect readers’ views on the three issues; the source does not state what decisions will follow on heating support, the Bay Horse Inn or the former bus station site.