How 12 Northumberland towns will look as shops set get to reopen

Early plans to get Northumberland's biggest towns ready for when shops reopen have been revealed.

Since the start of lockdown, in March, many town centres have lain quiet, with only essential shops allowed to operate.

But, as other retailers prepare to open on June 15, provision must be made to ensure a safe two-metre social distance can be maintained both inside shops and on the streets.

In Newcastle, a one-way walking route is planned on Northumberland Street while "social distancing circles" have appeared in Old Eldon Square.

Now, Northumberland County Council has shared its plans for the 12 key towns of Alnwick, Amble, Ashington, Berwick, Bedlington, Blyth, Cramlington, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Morpeth, Ponteland and Prudhoe.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, the county council’s cabinet member for environment and local services, said: “In Northumberland, the layout of shopping streets, particularly in some of the older towns, does not make social distancing easy, with narrow pavements and limited queueing space.