THE MAYOR of Hexham is warning that the deteriorating state of the town centre has to be high on the agenda of the next town council.

Increasing numbers of boarded-up and empty properties have become a major concern for the capital of the Tyne Valley.

And Coun Rad Hare, in his annual report for 2012-13, said last night: “We are all going through difficult times; this is reflected in empty shops and roads and pavements in urgent need of repair.

“We have a responsibility to the people who elected us to concentrate on these issues, which must be the major concerns of the new council to be elected in May.” The mayor delivered his message to the annual town meeting in Hexham Community Centre. And his call was backed by Hexham Civic Society chairman Roger Higgins, who said the “shabby” appearance of Hexham was putting off visitors and investors.

Mr Higgins said: “It is undeniable the shabby state of the streets is going to have a negative effect on the viability of the town and put off visitors and investors.

“We would like to see Northumberland County Council and Hexham Town Council working together to improve the appearance of the town for shoppers, visitors and businesses.”

The Civic Society has voiced new concern at the condition of the town’s main Wentworth car park, where hundreds of daily visitors park or arrive in coaches.

Mr Higgins added: “We want to work with town and county council to address eyesores such as the Wentworth car park, the main arrival point for visitors to the town, which presents a very poor first impression, with bent lighting columns, token landscaping and a sea of Tarmac.

“We are especially interested in mechanisms to help improve the worn-out public realm in the town, and to persuade the county council that the historic buildings of the town, and the streets that they sit in, are key economic drivers for prosperity in Hexham.”

The Hexham Town Plan, a blueprint for the future being driven by town councillor Judy Lloyd, has the full support of the Civic Society as it maps out the years ahead for Hexham.

Coun Hare said the town plan would “provide us with an all-important framework and strategy for action in the future”.

Meanwhile, Coun Hare said 2012 had been a “momentous and memorable” year for Hexham.

The Olympic Torch relay, the Matt Wells Jubilee Regatta, the 39 RA parade for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the centenary of the historic Sele bandstand, for repairs to which Coun Hare has launched an appeal, were all highlights of the year, he said.

Declaring it a “privilege” to be elected Mayor, Coun Hare added: “My motivation to represent the town as a councillor was first and foremost to have the interests of Hexham town and the townspeople my first priority.”