The leader of Northumberland County Council has faced questions over his administration's plans for the south-west of the county.
Coun Glen Sanderson is speaking at each of Northumberland's five local area councils this month ahead of the council's budget proposals next month.
At Tuesday's meeting of Tynedale Local Area Council, the leader was quizzed on his plans for the area with some members feeling the south west was not getting value for money.
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Coun Sanderson had outlined projects in the Blyth area, including ongoing plans for a gigafactory to build batteries for electric cars as well as various initiatives to improve skills and training. Coun Angie Scott, who represents Prudhoe South, said: "Is the west of Northumberland going to be offered any skills training?
"That would mean that our children and young people would have to travel out of the area again."
Coun Sanderson admitted he did not know the answer and said he would come back to Coun Scott in the future.
Coun Derek Kennedy, Mayor of Hexham and county councillor for the Hexham West Ward, said: "I was just wondering if there's any exciting projects for the west?
"I didn't see any on the list. In the last two budgets, there have been two packages of £5m that you had for Hexham - what's that going to be allocated for?
"I'm conscious that the county council is the highest charger in England, and that went up by £75 a year. What can we expect for that?"
Coun Sanderson replied: "That is a bit naughty because the council tax amount that you're talking about relates just to one band, not all throughout. As far as Hexham is concerned, you have the heritage action zone and you have just had a new school.
"You've got a very fine town that you all need to be very proud of."
Coun Sanderson added that he was unable to say what the two lots of £5m would be used for at this stage.
The Hexham High Streets Heritage Action zone is in the process of delivering a £2.4m programme of improvements to "boost the town centre and enhance the conservation area". It focuses on interventions on Priestpopple, Battle Hill, and Cattle Market and began in October 2020.
The project is due to end in March 2024.
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