Several hundred people formed a living Angel of the North in Hexham to show support for plans by internationally renowned artist Sir Antony Gormley for a new arts facility in the town.
The demonstration was aimed at persuading Northumberland County Council to change its mind, after it turned down the idea of using the old disused fire station on Hexham’s Tyne Mills estate.
Sir Antony’s Foundation, which already has twenty-year-old links with the town, owning a studio and a foundry, wanted to use the premises for storage and a gallery space which would have been used for seasonal exhibitions.
The County Council said no, because they want to demolish the fire station and use the site for a fleet maintenance depot to support waste, recycling and highways operations. They argue that their scheme represents “greater value for money.”
“We want Antony Gormley in our town”
But the decision has brought a fierce reaction. Hexham Town Council, which organised the Angel demonstration and supports the Gormley plan, has also launched an e-petition which has acquired more than four thousand signatures.
And the Town Council have now “called in” the Gormley plan which means the County Council must re-examine their processes and procedures in making their decision.
“We want to be at the table for that and hopefully the County Council will change their mind,” said Hexham’s deputy mayor Penny Grennan. “Today’s turnout has been absolutely fantastic,” she said. “We knew the town was behind us and today they have demonstrated it.
“The message is clear, we want Antony Gormley in our town. We want his plans for the Foundation to come to fruition. This is not just about one man and his legacy. It’s about Hexham becoming an Art Town.”
The town’s Labour MP, Joe Morris, also attended the demonstration. “Antony Gormley is a tremendous world-renowned artist and Hexham deserves to be put on the map in an artistic context,” he said.
“I think the County Council need to reconsider and bring in more investment into the west of Northumberland. All too often people feel the Council neglects the west of the county and operates too much to its detriment.”
The MP’s comments reflect a long-held view by many residents and councillors in Hexham that the town repeatedly misses out on investment opportunities and service improvements.
Since the abolition of Tynedale Council in 2009, which covered Hexham and the Tyne Valley, many say the new Northumberland County Council unitary authority has favoured towns to the east, such as Morpeth, Blyth and Ashington.
As one resident at the rally put it “to say that bin lorries and waste collection should be prioritised ahead of an opportunity for a world-renowned art facility shows what they think of us.”
The County Council have offered to talk to Sir Antony’s Foundation about an alternative premises on the site of Hexham’s former Middle School. But it’s understood the Foundation has already turned this down saying it’s not financially viable. This latest public demonstration of feelings will test the County Council’s resolve and put the ball back in their court to see if a solution can be found.
