Gormley backs out of Hexham fire station plan

SIR Antony Gormley has confirmed he will not be taking plans forward to convert Hexham's old fire station into a storage facility and gallery.

- JAMES ROBINSON

It comes after the Conservative-led administration at Northumberland County Council agreed to press ahead with plans to demolish the building.

Despite widespread local support for Sir Antony's proposals, the council has insisted that the space is needed for an expanded council depot ahead of new recycling rules coming into play. The issue has prompted a furious row between the administration and Hexham councillors.

Speaking publicly on the fire station plan for the first time, Sir Antony said: "Hexham has been an important location for my studio and foundry work for many years. When I put forward a proposal to acquire the old fire station, the plan was to enable me to bring all my work presently stored worldwide to the town.

"I am very aware that the council has responsibilities to infrastructure such as the old fire station. Northumberland County Council has an obligation to look carefully at all options and to ensure that decisions serve the wider public interest.