A councillor who has worked tirelessly for improvement to her local sports and community centre has been snubbed by council officials.

Newbiggin Central and East Councillor Liz Simpson has campaigned and worked to bring improvements to community and leisure facilities in the town.

Leader Scott Dickinson said of Liz, who is also deputy leader of the county council’s shadow cabinet, said: “Liz is devoted to the people of Newbiggin and puts a huge amount of effort into making sure things improve in the interests of the people she serves.

“For the county council and Active Northumberland to publicise an open day from 10am until 6.30pm on Thursday 1 September and not to even mention this to her first, is nothing short of an insult.

“We’re delighted that £1.9m has been invested in improving the sports and community hub in Newbiggin but we’d also remind the council and Active Northumberland, that it was Liz, working both behind and in front of the scenes who was a major driver for this investment .

“We sincerely hope she is going to be invited to be shown round and see how her hard work has paid off in the interest of people living in Newbiggin and that she will be offered the opportunity to answer questions from the public, should she wish.

“That’s the very least the county council and Active Northumberland could do.”