Calls for assurances over future of castle

A NORTHUMBERLAND castle that has been shut to the public must reopen "as a matter of urgency", an MP says.

- By DANIEL HOLLAND

Joe Morris, the MP for Hexham, has called on English Heritage to offer assurances over the long-term future of Prudhoe Castle. The charity has announced that the historic treasure has been closed while it "works out a new way to operate it", deeming that low visitor numbers have rendered it unsustainable.

After a community outcry about the decision, Mr Morris has said the people of Prudhoe "deserve a long-term commitment to the preservation of their local history".