Long-abandoned Hexham houses finally put up for sale by Northumbria Police
by James Robinson · ChronicleLiveTwelve homes have been put up for sale by Northumbria Police after years of standing empty.
The properties near the police station in Hexham are being sold off as one site by estate agent Frank Knight as a development opportunity. The price has not been made public and is only available on request.
The brochure for the houses says the site includes 2.1 acres land and 12 semi-detached properties including 10 three bedroom houses and 2 four-bedroom houses. It adds that the buildings "have been unoccupied for a number of years".
The development follows years of campaigning to bring the houses back into use, with the buildings sitting on a prime central site close to local amenities. Coun Derek Kennedy, Hexham's mayor and the county councillor for the Hexham West ward, was pleased with the news.
He said: "After seven years of those houses being left empty and to to deteriorate and decay, I'm pleased that they have finally come up with a plan to sell the properties after all this pressure. This is a prime property area in Hexham lying in the west end of the town near the high school - it's ideal for families.
"For the police to have just left the site for seven years was unbelievable. Residents who have spoken to me were astonished that they were just left.
"I would like to think it would be social or affordable housing, which is our greatest need in Hexham. This is a positive step after all those wasted years."
Conservative councillors in the Tynedale area also welcomed the news. Coun Nick Oliver, who represents the Corbridge ward, said: " "It's great that these houses are now on the market after being inexplicably left standing empty to rot."
Coun Gordon Stewart, the county councillor for Prudhoe South, added: "Persistence has paid off. I have been asking that the future of the estate to be progressed for sometime. Any money raised will support capital projects within the Northumbria Police area and therefore help keep the council tax down."
Commenting on the sale, a spokesperson for the Office of Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner said: "One of the first tasks of the new Police and Crime Commissioner, following her election this May, was to review the current estate of Northumbria Police. She has determined that the properties are surplus to requirements and are now on the market for sale, which will allow for investment in policing."
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