Changes in shopping patterns are to blame for the closures

Plans to revive a Northumberland market town are under way, with residents being asked for ideas about what to do with empty shops in Wooler.

For years people living in the town have seen many shops in the High Street close.

But now it is hoped to turn around the fortunes of Wooler through buying up some of the empty premises - some of which have been closed for 16 years.

There are 16 shops in total, with six empty.

Residents in the town are being urged to come forward with ideas about what they wish to be done with the empty shops.

Tom Johnston, Market Towns Initiative (MTI) programme manager, has told a meeting of Wooler Parish Council that they need more feedback from the local community.

One idea put forward is for the shops to be used to house an art exhibition.

Changes in people's shopping behaviour have been blamed for the decline, as well as the affects of the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001.