Hexham Constituency Liberal Democrats are pleased to announce their candidates for the Northumberland County Council elections to be held on Thursday 2 May. We are looking forward to a vigorous campaign based on the excellent record of hard work by LibDem County Councillors Derek Kennedy in Hexham West and Alan Sharp in Haydon & Hadrian.

Hexham's Library has had a facelift during the Easter holidays. Northumberland County Council has revamped the popular library based in the Queens Hall on Beaumont Street.

Councillor Derek Kennedy said "The refurbishment is good news for the Library and shows a commitment to keep this facility open. Right across the country there are other Local Authorities cutting back or even closing the library service. I have spoken to the staff and they are happy with their new surrounds. New lighting will provide a brighter environment with white book cases and bold colours on the walls it gives the place a nice and fresh feel. I'm sure people will like it. The Library is important to a lot of people and the Internet PCs are very well used.".

As the North East gears up to play a leading role in the production of more environmentally-friendly vehicles, new data shows carbon emissions from new cars dropped by over 5 per cent in the UK last year.

Local Euro MP Fiona Hall commented:

"Driven by EU targets and government investment, the North East is leading the way in the move to a low-carbon economy.

The retailer NEXT is coming to Hexham. The building adjacent to Tesco, has stood empty for several years and plans are afoot for NEXT to have a significant presence on two floors. Building work is currently under way with internal steel constructions being built.

Councillor Derek Kennedy visited the site and spoke to some of workmen. Derek said " There is plenty of activity going on and lots of building work taking place. I am told that the shop will be open in June or July, so only a few short months to wait."

Councillor Derek Kennedy Hexham West said "I'm delighted to announce that the County Council is planning to refurbish Hexham House and use it as a Registrars and as a wedding venue. This is an iconic building, it was the former head quarters of Tynedale Council. The people of Hexham will be delighted with this news it will change an old council office building into a lovely historical venue which can be used by the general public. This is the type of investment Hexham has been crying out for, it will help stimulate the economy as people will require hotel accommodation and catering facilities in the near by restaurants. It is a perfect venue overlooking Hexham Abbey and the beautiful parks. I'm really pleased the Northumberland County Council is planning this investment into the town"

Campaign Launched

Councillor Derek Kennedy has launched a new campaign to improve traffic management and bring more investment into Hexham. Derek said "Parking charges total around £375,000 a year in Hexham and I think this money should be ring fenced and retained in the town."

Minibus Shuttle Service...

One of the region's leading authorities on electric vehicles has welcomed today's announcement of an additional £37m to fund car charging points.

Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall recently hosted an electric car summit in Durham with key figures from the local industry. She is currently working on legislation in the European Parliament on reducing emissions from cars.

Further controversy has been heaped on Northumberland's Conservatives after it was revealed that the man behind a planned controversial wind development in Tranwell is none other than their own former County Council group leader, Michael Jeans.

The revelation will be particularly embarrassing to the local Conservative MP, Guy Opperman, who recently caved into pressure from the Tranwell Wind Farm Action Group (TWAG) to come out and and oppose the plans, which would see four 413 feet high turbines built at the site.

A Northumberland paper mill is leading the way on apprenticeships, according to a North East Euro MP.

SCA Hygiene Products operates out of Prudhoe Mill and is one of the county's biggest employers. After a visit to the factory yesterday, Fiona Hall MEP was quick to praise the company's trainee programme and the positive impact the firm is having on the community.

The Leader of Northumberland County Council has defended the Executive's decision to reopen the ailing Allendale Middle School as a primary school, saying that with government policy not allowing the school to remain in its existing state it is the best possible outcome under the circumstances.

The comments from Councillor Jeff Reid follow a recommendation from the Council's Conservative-chaired all-party Children & Young People scrutiny committee to reopen the school as a primary school instead of seeking to convert it to a government controlled sponsored academy. He said: