
Shambles market in Hexham shut until autumn for revamp
The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports bollards are also to be placed around The Shambles' north and west sides to protect its columns and stonework, which "have been repeatedly damaged by vehicles over the last few years".
Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Independent
13 minutes ago
- The Independent
UK's third largest steelworks collapses putting 1,450 jobs at risk
The government has taken control of the UK's third largest steelworks in a bid to save 1,450 jobs at the site. The high court confirmed on Thursday that Speciality Steel – previously part of Sanjeev Gupta's Liberty Steel business – would face a compulsory liquidation. The operation, which has plants in Rotherham and Stocksbridge in South Yorkshire, will be placed into the hands of the Official Receiver and special managers from advisory firm Teneo. Ongoing wages and costs to keep the plant running will be covered by the Government until a buyer is found. However, bosses at Speciality Steel said the move to wind up the business is 'irrational'. Jeffrey Kabel, chief transformation officer said: 'The decision to push Speciality Steel UK into compulsory liquidation, especially when we have support from the world's largest asset manager to resume operations and facilitate creditor recovery is irrational. 'The plan that GFG (Sanjeev Gupta's parent business) presented to the court would have secured new investment in the UK steel industry, protecting jobs and establishing a sustainable operational platform under a new governance structure with independent oversight. 'Instead, liquidation will now impose prolonged uncertainty and significant costs on UK taxpayers for settlements and related expenses, despite the availability of a commercial solution.' GFG said it will put forward a bid to retake control of the business alongside debt and equity partners and present this to the Official Receiver. A government spokesperson said: 'We know this will be a deeply worrying time for staff and their families, but we remain committed to a bright and sustainable future for steelmaking and steel making jobs in the UK. 'It is now for the independent Official Receiver to carry out their duties as liquidator, including ensuring employees are paid, while we also make sure staff and local communities are supported.' UK Steel director general Gareth Stace said: 'UK Steel welcomes the Government's recognition of the importance of the Liberty Speciality Steel assets and hopes that a new owner is found quickly and can inject the investment and working capital required to return production volumes to previous levels. 'The assets produce high quality, specialist steels that serve high value markets. 'The low production levels of recent years have left significant holes in the domestic supply chain that have been filled by imports. 'We hope to see these holes quickly filled by UK-made steel.' A spokesman for steelworkers' union Community said: 'These are worrying developments, and we are seeking clarification on what this means for our members and their livelihoods. 'Jobs must be protected, and these sites – which are vital strategic assets – need to resume production as soon as possible.' Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith blamed situation on 'Labour's ruinously high energy costs driven by net zero dogma'.


The Independent
13 minutes ago
- The Independent
Crystal Palace midfielder left out of tonight's squad as Arsenal transfer nears
Eberechi Eze 's £60 million transfer from Crystal Palace to Arsenal could be confirmed as early as this weekend. The move would make Eze Arsenal's seventh summer signing, pushing their total spending beyond £250 million. Arsenal's pursuit of Eze accelerated following a knee injury sustained by Kai Havertz, whose recovery timeline is currently unclear. Mikel Arteta, backed by sporting director Andrea Berta, is keen to strengthen the squad as Arsenal aims for their first Premier League title in 22 years. Eze was notably absent from Crystal Palace's Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad, the Eagles' first ever European tie.


Daily Mail
13 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Food fight takes toll on Waitrose: Grocer boss James Bailey checks out amid growing challenge from M&S
Waitrose is facing a leadership shake-up as boss James Bailey quits amid a growing challenge from M&S. Bailey's departure was announced yesterday, 11 months after Jason Tarry took over as boss of parent John Lewis Partnership (JLP). It is understood that he does not have a position lined up elsewhere and is instead taking a career break. Three years ago, Waitrose led in the battle of the upmarket grocers, with a market share of 4.2 per cent, while M&S had 3.6 per cent. But the two are now neck and neck as Waitrose's slice is 3.8 per cent while M&S's is 3.7 per cent, according to the market researcher Nielsen IQ. Bailey, who has steered the grocer through the pandemic and cost of living crisis since joining in 2020, is due to step down next month. He said it 'feels like the right time to hand over the reins', with a hunt for his successor now under way. 'Waitrose is back on a very strong footing with record customer numbers, strong sales growth and a turnaround in profitability,' he said. Retail director Tina Mitchell will be interim boss from September 30. It comes as Tarry, who previously led Tesco's UK business, has been leading a revival at Waitrose and John Lewis department stores. But it is battling M&S, which yesterday announced a £340million investment in a new food distribution centre in Northamptonshire. Retail expert Jonathan De Mello, founder of consultants JDM Retail, said Bailey's departure was a 'blow' adding: 'Waitrose stores increasingly look tired and underinvested in – in stark contrast to the 'glow-up' M&S have put on stores.' De Mello also said Waitrose had a 'confused pricing strategy', which 'runs the risk of alienating their affluent core customer base'. Tarry has pledged to boost investment in JLP's stores, and bring back a focus on 'the core elements of great retail'. And there have been signs of green shoots, especially after John Lewis stores reintroduced its Never Knowingly Undersold promise and vowed to boost customer service. Profits rose 73 per cent to £97million for the year to January 25, boosted by better fortunes at Waitrose, where sales lifted 4.4 per cent to £8billion. Recent figures from market insights firm Worldpanel this week showed Waitrose sales grew 4.8 per cent to £1.6billion in the three months to August 10. Tarry said Bailey was leaving Waitrose 'in a much stronger position', after doing 'an outstanding job'. Bailey's exit follows that of JLP chief executive Nish Kankiwala, who stepped down last year after two years.