The Haltwhistle Partnership, in tandem with the Northumberland County Council, has introduced a scheme which has seen 11 business properties in Haltwhistle benefit from a return to more traditional shopfronts. The £225,000 scheme has been introduced to encourage retailers and businesses in the town to take more they pride in their shopfront appearances.

The £225,000 scheme, funded by local authorities, was part of a three-year programme under the “Market Town Welcome Project” which is looking to revitalise and enhance the town centre of Haltwhistle. There are many other elements to the project which has also seen the installation of a bronze Centre of Britain feature in Haltwhistle, a subject which has attracted more than its fair share of controversy over the last few years. However, the Haltwhistle Partnership and the local authorities are more than keen to make the most of the town’s position in this particular argument.

While many of the rural towns and villages in the North of England continue to struggle, especially against the current economic backdrop, it is good to see a local authority in tandem with the Haltwhistle Partnership looking to invest directly into local businesses. The developments have been well received by people across the town and the region and there is no doubt that it is already making a significant difference to not only the appearance of business outlets in Haltwhistle but also the level of business conducted in the region.

It will be interesting to see what other developments and projects emerge as part of the ongoing development of Haltwhistle town centre as there is no doubt that there is significant potential for further growth.