Alnwick residents turned out in force for an Alnwick Forum event which gave people the opportunity to find out information about a variety of plans, services and community initiatives across the town. 
 

The event was held in the Northumberland Hall on Saturday 19th and drew in hundreds of people, of all ages, throughout the day – despite the weather! 
 

The aim of Alnwick Forum – a partnership between the county council and town council – is to oversee how the town develops over the coming years in line with the Alnwick Neighbourhood Plan and make best use of the county council’s key sites. 
 

Town and County Councillor Gordon Castle said: “I am very impressed with the turnout which exceeded all expectations, and this reflects well on the joint working between Alnwick Town Council and Northumberland County Council whose officers have worked hard to make the event such a success and feature such a wide range of organisations.  
 

“No-one can argue that they haven’t had the opportunity to find out what’s happening in Alnwick. People also had the opportunity to record their opinions on subjects such as plans for the cobbles, Narrowgate pedestrianisation, Bailiffgate Museum and Alnwick and Denwick Neighbourhood Plan” 
 

Town and County Councillor,  Martin Swinbank added:  

“There has been a real interest from residents and businesses who came along to view the current and emerging plans for the town and be involved in shaping them.”    
 

“There were many services and organisations represented at the event, with something that interested everyone.  The day had a positive community feel to it and it was great to catch up with and hear feedback from so many local people.” 

 
Over a dozen organisations attended the event, with the Alnwick Youth Hostel providing delicious refreshments, without charge. 

Northumberland County Council had on display the concept designs for the pedestrianisation of Narrowgate and design proposals for improvements to The Cobbles parking area in the centre of Alnwick. 
 

Also present were representatives from The Alnwick Food Bank and Northumberland Communities together, so residents who had real concerns about the cost of living or other matters were able to speak to someone about arrangements for support and advice. 
 

Representatives from The Bailiffgate Museum were present with information about the proposal to re-locate the museum into the Northumberland Hall. The Alnwick Garden was also present with updates on Lilidorei, the world’s largest play structure and the winter light trail. 
 

Other attendees included The Borderlands team, Aln Valley Railway, Alnwick Civic Society, Northumberland Estates, Alnwick & District Branch of the Royal British Legion, Alnwick Youth Hostel, Alnwick Area Friends of the Earth and Alnwick Story Fest. 
 

From the county council there were representatives from the recycling and climate change team, from library services and Northumberland skills. Health trainers were also present offering blood pressure, weight, BMI checks. 
 

Northumberland County Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for Corporate Services said: 

“I really enjoyed catching up with all the groups at the forum event. The hall was packed with people doing the same from across the Alnwick area. It was great to see so many people engaged with their local community.”