'Ashington hole' fears after delay

CONCERNS have been raised over delays in appointing an operator to run a key regeneration project in Ashington. Plans for a new youth and community facility that will act as an attractive gateway to the town from the new railway station were approved in March.

- By JAMES ROBINSON Local democracy reporter

However, Labour's Coun Caroline Ball, who represents the Ashington Central ward, feared the project could be delayed as the county council is yet to confirm who will be running the site after almost a year. She feared any delay could lead to a repeat of the infamous "Ashington hole".

The original Ashington hole was the name given to an undeveloped plot that stood empty for eight years, after plans to move the council's headquarters from Morpeth's County Hall to Ashington were scrapped in 2017. Construction is now under way on a new cinema and restaurant complex to fill the hole.