The proposed extraction of minerals at Anick Haughs was discussed at the Full Town Council Meeting on Monday 11th July. The Council agreed that it is against this proposal and the following comments have been sent to Northumberland County Council (the Planning Authority):
The Town Council is very concerned about the potential affect the above would have on Hexham. There are concerns regarding increased heavy traffic at an already overworked junction, noise and pollution, loss of farmland, increased risk of polluting the Tyne, and unnecessary mineral extraction when good supplies already exist. There is also concern that gravel for concrete is a carbon pollutant and other building materials such as timber would be an alternative. Thompsons should diversify into greener solutions.