PEOPLE in the Ashington area have less than three weeks left to make their views known on plans for a new £20m leisure and community centre in the town.

An eight-week consultation on the ambitious scheme by Northumberland County Council ends on January 27 – and council bosses are keen to get as much feedback from the public as possible.

The new facility is intended to replace the town’s ageing leisure centre in Institute Road, and will also include public services such as a library, council information point, cafe, GP surgery and pharmacy.

Questionnaires have been made available to local residents and businesses so that they can make their views known on exactly what the centre should provide - and where it should be built. Two town centre sites – the old Ashington Hospital and the former Asda supermarket in Lintonville – have been shortlisted as the location. As well as being distributed to homes and businesses, the questionnaires are available in public places and via the county council’s website at www.northumberland.gov.uk. Completed questionnaires must arrive at the council by January 27.