Cllr Peter Jackson, Leader of Northumberland Conservatives, has this week confirmed in an interview with BBC Look North the extent of investment in Ashington, following the decision last year not to move County Hall from Morpeth.

‘One of Northumberland Conservatives’ key pledges at the local elections in May last year was to halt Labour’s plan to move county hall from Morpeth to Ashington. Labour’s unpopular plan simply didn’t stack up and we had no hesitation in fulfilling our promise to residents across the county to stop it, a decision that has received massive support.’

‘However, it is important to note that the site which Labour had earmarked for the new county administration in Ashington has not be forgotten. Since May last year Northumberland Conservatives have invested nearly £10M of infrastructure in and around the site, have consulted the public on their preferences for the development and is on course to see further funding from the county’s regeneration company.

‘It is also very important to see this investment as part of a wider plan for our towns in SE Northumberland - for example we are now moving to the next stages of the regeneration scheme in Bedlington.  Northumberland Conservatives are delivering for residents and communities across the whole county.’