Paul McTaggart

England

Digital Audience Content Editor at Newsquest

Reporter for Newsquest, working on @newsandstar @whitehavennews, @timesandstar and @cumbnews • All my own views • Story? [email protected]

Articles

Plans to convert Grade II listed bastle house into holiday accommodation

1 week ago | hexham-courant.co.uk | Paul McTaggart

The proposals, put forward by Elliott Architects Ltd, aim to transform the former bastle house and barns at Whitlees, Elsdon, into two single-bed holiday lets. The site, situated on the edge of Harwood Forest, also includes plans for a small ancillary store for storing equipment for the holiday lets. The bastle house, a fortified farmstead, is said to date back to the 16th or early 17th century. It was constructed from rubble stone with a slate roof.
Warning to Northumberland drivers ahead of Appleby Horse Fair

1 week ago | hexham-courant.co.uk | Paul McTaggart

The announcement follows as the travelling community is set to make its way to the Appleby Horse Fair between Thursday, June 5, and Wednesday, June 11, with the migration period beginning 10 days before and lasting up to 10 days after. Drivers are urged to pass these traditional Vardo wagons slowly and widely.
Spa retreat 'going from strength to strength' scoops double award win

1 week ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Paul McTaggart

The Ridge Retreat and Spa, nestled along Hadrian's Wall in Walton, has taken home the Prestige North of England Award for Beauty Salon of the Year, as well as the Scotland Prestige Award for the third consecutive year. Launched in late 2023 following its relocation from Brampton's Serenity Spa, the business, run by mother-and-daughter duo Abbie and Lyndsey Ferguson, has quickly established itself as a more personal and peaceful alternative to the traditional spa experience.
Hexham home with 'stunning views over the Tyne Valley' for sale

1 week ago | hexham-courant.co.uk | Paul McTaggart

Located on Leazes Lane, The Reins is being marketed by Brunton Residential, who describe it as a 'superb, extended detached family home' in the West End of the town. According to the listing, the house offers nearly 4,000 sq ft of living space and is positioned in one of Hexham’s 'most sought-after residential locations'. It is accepting offers around the region of £925,000.
Work to restore historic covered market to 'former glory' begins next week

2 weeks ago | hexham-courant.co.uk | Paul McTaggart

The work on The Shambles, which was built by Sir Walter Blackett in 1766, is set to begin on Tuesday, May 27. Owned by Northumberland County Council, The Shambles remains in regular use by market stallholders, but is now in a state of disrepair, with urgent work needed to the timber beams, stone and timber columns, roof, flooring, and electrics.
Plans for six homes in Barrasford development

2 weeks ago | hexham-courant.co.uk | Paul McTaggart

If approved, the new four-bed plus homes are to be constructed on land west of Chollerton First School on Station Road. The application has been submitted to Northumberland County Council on behalf of Cussins (North East) Ltd. The application site is part of a larger area that previously had planning permission for 18 houses, reduced to 14 houses, with modifications made twice to change the house types, according to the application.
Carlisle vigil planned to mark 77 years of 'ongoing catastrophe'

2 weeks ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Paul McTaggart

The Carlisle and District branch of the Palestinian Solidarity Group (PSG) will be holding a Nakba vigil in Carlisle city centre on today, May 17, between 1pm and 2pm. The Nakba refers to the mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. According to Al Jazeera, between 1947 and 1949, at least 750,000 Palestinians from a 1.9 million population were made refugees, and 15,000 were killed.
BBC Radio 6's Stuart Maconie heading to Carlisle with new book

2 weeks ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Paul McTaggart

The broadcaster and author will share insights into his new book With a Little Help from their Friends, at Carlisle's Old Fire Station on June 19. With Stuart being a lifelong Beatles fan, the book delves into the lives of the friends who helped the group achieve global fame. Many Cumbrians will also know Stuart from his Cumbria Life columns and bestsellers like Pies and Prejudice and Cider with Roadies.
Man due in court after alleged cannabis farm found in Hexham

3 weeks ago | hexham-courant.co.uk | Paul McTaggart

Police presence was spotted outside former Virgin Money in Hexham on Wednesday. (Image: EWISHART) A 45-year-old man is due to appear in court today after an alleged cannabis farm was discovered at a property in Hexham. On May 14, police responded to reports of "suspicious activity" at 5 Cattle Market, in Hexham, which used to be a Virgin Money bank. Minh Trung Nguyen, 45, of Cattle Market, has been charged with the production of cannabis.
Wigton youth club seeking new trustees for 'rewarding roles'

3 weeks ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Paul McTaggart

Wigton Youth Station is looking to add members to the group, which provides activities and support for young people in the community. Councillor Christopher Scott said: "As the chair of trustees for the last 18 months, I can personally say how incredibly rewarding this role is. "It’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people.