Businesses 'open as usual' after chimney collapse
LDRS/James RobinsonShoppers are being urged to support independent businesses affected by a chimney collapse, as repairs could take several months.
Businesses on Hallstile Bank in Hexham, Northumberland, remain open after the incident in July at the town's Ex-Servicemen's Club, which damaged neighbouring Bob's Barbers.
While work continues to reopen the one-way street to vehicles, pedestrian access remains in place from the market place.
A county council spokesperson said: "Many wonderful independent businesses on Hallstile Bank are very much open and need your support. Every purchase you make locally makes a real difference."
The bank is home to a number of shops and businesses as well as a charity, and connects the market place and high street with large supermarkets and exit routes out of the town.
Mayor of Hexham, Independent Group councillor Derek Kennedy, said: "These businesses have had a fairly tough time because access is not easy. We have got to support these independent businesses at Christmas time and into 2026.
"It looks like the repairs, which are in the hands of the insurance companies, will take some months before they are completed."
The collapse saw homes and businesses evacuated in the summer, with no reported injuries, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Bob's Barbers itself, which has been a well-known presence in Hexham for about 30 years, was temporarily relocated to St Mary's Chare due to the damage to its existing premises.
In August, the Conservative-led county council said there was "no confirmed timescale" on when Hallstile Bank would be able to fully reopen to traffic.
Independent traders in Hexham came together last month to make their own Christmas advert showing off how much the High Street has "bloomed" in recent years.
About £1.5m of government funding was allocated to the town in 2023 to help revitalise its town centre.
