Historic town market to close for 'urgent work'

A GRADE-II listed covered market in Northumberland is set to close for several months to allow “urgent work” to be carried out.

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The Shambles in Hexham was built by former Newcastle MP and Wallington Hall owner Walter Blackett in 1766, and is still used by traders.

However, Northumberland County Council has said the “prominent” building is in a “poor state of repair.” Urgent work is needed to restore timber beams, timber and stone columns, roof and flooring and the electrics within the structure.

The market and car park closed on Tuesday, May 27 for public safety reasons. It is expected to be closed until the autumn, with the markets offered an alternative site on the other side of the road, outside the Abbey and Moot Hall.