They are urging the public to register their views to the proposed name change of the Council, put forward by the Liberal administration.

A consultation process is set to be launched on Northumberland County Council's website.

Under the proposals, Northumberland County Council would be renamed 'Northumberland Council'.

Conservatives say they are concerned about the full cost of this 'unnecessary' name change and want to see other important issues addressed first.

Leader of Northumberland Conservatives, Coun Peter Jackson, said: "I am concerned about the cost of this.

"The Liberal Administration seems to think this can be done on the cheap, but I am not convinced. It is also clear that people have real concerns about losing their identity within the County.

"Changing the name of the Council is unnecessary and there are far more important issues to be addressing.

"It is the public who will have to pay the bill for this and I would urge everyone to visit Northumberland County Council's website and register their views."