PONTELAND'S medieval Pele Tower could soon be passed into the hands of Town councillors. The scheduled ancient monument is currently under lease to Ponteland Town Council, but now Castle Morpeth members have agreed to transfer the freehold, along with adjoining land. The decision, which was approved by the Borough's Executive Board, comes as Northumberland prepares for local government re-structuring, which will spell the end of the district authorities. Borough Leader Peter Jackson said: "This is one of a series of interests in property that this Council has that we feel will be better devolved down to the community. The Pele Tower is the symbol of Ponteland as much as anything else. It is a very important ancient monument, right in the middle of the town of Ponteland." I think it would be best placed in the ownership and care of Ponteland Town Council." Members approved the transfer unanimously, with each party agreeing to meet their own legal fees, but final consent rests with Northumberland County Council due to the forthcoming authority shake-up.
Source: Morpeth Herald