Workmen are pulling down parts of the old arcade to make way for a new Edwardian style arcade which is being brought forward by Morpeth II – the development partnership of Ethel Austin Properties and Dransfield Properties Ltd.

And although the rundown shops are coming down, the Bridge Street frontage to the arcade is being restored and facade retention works are also underway on the project.

The foundations to the new bus station being built as part of the Sanderson Arcade development have been poured and the groundworks/enabling works on the site are now well under way.

Work started on the town centre scheme three weeks ago and contractors Mansell are working in two teams on the front and the back of the development which will bring a new commercial heart to Morpeth.

Lumsden's Lane – Back Lane of Newgate Street – has had to be closed off during the works following advice from the Health and Safety Executive, it had originally been hoped that the lane could remain open as an access for shoppers.

Access to M&S Simply Food, Boulevard and the Jeweller's Guild is now via the alleyway at the side of M&S or from the bus station on Bridge Street/Marketplace.

Amanda Holmes, spokeswoman for Dransfield Properties, told the News Post Leader this week: "Obviously with the development being in the town centre as it is there will be some disruption caused.

"However we have to put safety first and we hope people understand the need to have this short term inconvenience to deliver the development.

"Some additional signage has been put in place to ensure people know how to get to the shops and businesses they need to get to."