A NEW community of towers of hope have been reinstated after they were reportedly knocked down by a member of the public.

Creative residents in Haydon Bridge erected mini stone structures at the side of the River South Tyne, building them next to colourful rock art from local children, who have paid tribute to the work of NHS staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

It was the second time the structures were built after reports that somebody had deliberately knocked down the original towers, to the anger of residents.

Yet the community was not to be defeated by the vandalism, and rallied again to reinstate the towers.

“The cairns look fantastic,” said resident Janette Macgregor. “For me, they are a pillar of hope and joy for us all to see in this time of much sorrow and heartache. May the towers on the South Tyne Haydon Bridge continue.”