Calls for 'full and meaningful' consultation on the overhaul of Bedlington town centre

Labour has called for a 'full and meaningful' consultation on the overhaul of Bedlington town centre in the wake of news that the project is getting back on track.

The opposition on Northumberland County Council has said this is required to "to ensure that any Bedlington development fits with the needs and ambitions of local residents and supports local businesses who have been loyal to the town".

It follows the announcement last week that building work on the retail scheme, which is being led by the council-owned company Advance Northumberland, will now start "early next year and will take approximately 12 months".

In January, it was announced that the redevelopment had stalled awaiting final sign-off from the anchor tenant - a major supermarket.

But Advance Northumberland's board recently approved a revised financial model and timetable, which relies on an extra cash injection of £1.4m from the county council.

In a statement this week, Coun Lynne Grimshaw, the shadow cabinet member for regeneration, said: " The Labour Group welcomes - despite the long delay - the council looking to get this severely scaled back project off the ground.

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