Hearing the news about the closures, Cllr Gordon Stewart said: “I have been following details of bank closures nationally with great interest, I have asked for a meeting with a senior representative of the bank asap to see what provision there will be locally for our residents and businesses’
Cllr Gordon Stewart said the closures will impact ‘the most vulnerable in society’.
“Not everyone can jump onto a bus to travel to a city branch, nor is confident enough to use telephones or the internet.
“If people travel to the bank, they are likely to spend their money in that area and our local businesses will lose out.”
He also expressed concerns about vulnerable residents turning to loan sharks.
https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/24899986.petition-launched-save-banks-hexham-prudhoe/
Prudhoe Town Cllr & Local Business owner Tracy Gilmore is asking people to sign a petition to keep the Prudhoe branch open
Updates-
In addition to the below updates, I provide Prudhoe Town Council with regular updates.
11/11/25
The new CP machine outside the coop is being installed today, it will take a few days to be active.
13/10/25
Hi Gordon
I trust you’re well.
I wanted to keep you posted that we are installing a new ATM into the Co-op to replace the existing unit on the 11th November.
We are also exploring opportunities for an additional unit in the town but these are subject to commercial approval from the respective retailers.
** Reminder ATM’s have nothing to do with shops / businesses or generally banks, they are operated by separate companies.
3/9/25
Hi Gordon
The ATM is back in service following an engineering visit today and parts replaced.
A replacement has been ordered for the ATM near the coop.
Update 30/6/25
Hi Gordon
The Co-op ATM was filled this morning and is back in service.
The Asda ATM has a fault and is being attended by an engineer later today.
An increase to fill levels has been approved on the Asda ATM which will help improve availability.
Regards
Update 30th June 2025
I have informed the machine providers that they have been offline yesterday.
25th June 2025
Hi Gordon
Just a short note to advise the screen on the Co-op ATM was repaired today.
I’ll continue to monitor but both ATMs (Co-op & Asda) are transacting well.
Regards
24th June 2025
From a major cash machine provider.
Hi Gordon
Thanks for getting in touch, and apologies for the delay in responding, your email has only just been passed to me.
We’re committed to providing a reliable ATM service for the people of Prudhoe, so I wanted to acknowledge your email and let you know I’ll be reviewing the points you raised closely.
I’ve arranged for an engineer to attend the Co-op ATM to investigate the screen issue and carry out a general health check, including preventative maintenance.
In addition, I’ll be reviewing the cash fill levels and frequency at both the Co-op and Asda ATMs. Some adjustments may be needed to ensure the machines remain operational and don’t run empty.
Regarding the suggestion of installing an ATM at the retail park, this is something we could potentially explore. However, installation costs are in the region of £15,000, and we’d also need the landlord to provide a suitable location, so there are some cost considerations to factor in.
Best regards
20th June 2025
A reminder has been sent asking for an update.
9th June 2025
Communication continue with the ATM providers.
27th May 2025
Updated 28/1/26
Many of the houses have now been sold through auction or by another method.
There are various buyers who are sending letters to tenants.
This could be good news for tenants, with a new landlord and hope for a better future.
The recommendation remains the same – Please take advice from your local Citizens advice team ASAP.
Updated 25/1/26
I continue to receive enquiries from tenants within Northumberland, the region and the wider North of England.
It is a terrible situation for so many people to be in, Please contact your local citizens advice office if you are impacted.
Many horrendous stories are being told each week.
See notes below-
Hundreds of tenants are thought to be impacted by this scandal.
Including many in Northumberland.
If you are a tenant please see advice at the foot of this page.
Updated19/1/26
Arrests made CLICK HERE
13/1/26
I am grateful to the auctioneers who offered some reassurance to residents by informing me that the properties were not owned by the ‘big help’ but merely leased by them.
The owner is now selling the stock, but any current tenancy agreement with the big help will have to be agreed with the new owner.
Current tenants are asked to check their agreements for details.
Again, please seek advice from your local citizens advice office.
12/1/26
I have contacted the agent (Auctioneer)who has been instructed to sell the properties, highlighting the fact that residents have not been advised of the sales & asking them for information that can be shared with residents.
See notes / advice below –
——-
10/1/26
I have been contacted by residents in Northumberland and elsewhere in the country regarding this major housing issue.
The relevant Citizens advice teams have been contacted & in Nland, Council officers have also been supporting our residents.
I have been informed that many of the properties are now being sold off and the residents have not been told this, and are obviously very concerned.
BBC Report – CLICK HERE
9/12/25
Courant – CLICK HERE
(Post created November 25).
Housing horror story.
I get a huge number of enquiries each month, many can be dealt with quickly, this one has been dragging on far too long.
A national investigation looking into the activities of a ‘charity’ housing provider took place.
The video explains the background.
Unfortunately the housing stock involved includes many around the Country, including in Tynedale.
See video-
My main concern is the appalling state of some of the homes people are living in with basic repairs not being carried out and no point of contact for the residents to get advice and support.
If you know of anyone living in property part of this scandal please e mail me.
NOTES
IF you are a tenant, please do NOT pay your rent without proof that anyone asking for rent is authorised to take it, save the rent rather than spending it.
Do not allow anyone into your home who is claiming to be interested in buying the property just refer them onto the agent.
Do not allow anyone purporting to be a worker sent by the agent to check on the building or carry out work into the house, unless you have confirmation that are genuine, please arrange for someone to accompany you if you agree to allow them in.
Retain details of the person(s) attending.
If genuine they should not be offended by you declining access until clear proof is given.
Contact –
Citizens advice relevant to where you live.
Northumberland – CLICK HERE
Other CA offices CLICK HERE
They will work closely with NCC (safe and resilient communities team) – CLICK HERE
Remember as tenants you have done nothing wrong, please do not worry and work with the above agencies.
Shelter advice – Click here
Govt advice – Click here
Auctioneer dealing with the property sale on behalf of the property owner CLICK HERE
OTHER Information –
You may wish to register on home-finder- Housing information.
Other contacts of interest – Useful Contacts
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Dealing with everyday issues everyday of the year.
Helping everyone to be #ProudOfPrudhoe
I do not take reports or enter into discussions via social media but offer a wide range of methods for residents to contact me.
Reports relevant to NCC can be made directly to the appropriate dept via
https://fix.northumberland.gov.uk
Other organisations such as housing providers & utilities.
Contact info –
County Cllr Stewart said ” I have spoken with many charities locally and it is clear, the NIC hike could not have come at a worse time, charities are stretched thin by soaring demand for services and falling donations due to cost-of-living pressures & rocketing unemployment. They can’t simply raise prices or pass on these costs. This additional financial burden is forcing them to make traumatic decisions about staffing and service delivery”.
https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/25663656.charities-face-collapse-situation-carries/
Prudhoe Matters 