FASTER progress is needed on work aimed at paving the way for key redevelopment plans in a former North East pit town, it is claimed.
Ashington Mayor John McCormack has urged the county council to speed up land acquisition efforts in a bid to ensure a planned multi-million pound town centre revamp goes ahead as soon as possible.
A blueprint was adopted last year which sets out a future strategy for the north eastern part of the town, including the former Asda supermarket site, Lintonville Terrace and the bus depot.
It proposes a retail-led, comprehensive re-development of the area, which would be linked to the existing shopping centre in Station Road and the new Asda superstore at Portland Park.
The vision involves major new shopping facilities – including another supermarket – leisure and cultural activities, new housing designed to meet local needs, the relocation of the bus station and road improvements to help traffic flows through the town.
Ring-fenced public funding of about £9m – from the sale of Portland Park to Asda and through One North East – is available to help deliver the blueprint, including acquiring land and buildings required to make it a reality.
