Start date for 'groundbreaking' railway announced

The line will run between Newcastle and Ashington, initially stopping only at Seaton Delaval and Manors

Passenger trains will begin running on a railway for the first time in 60 years on the 15 December, it has been confirmed.

The Northumberland Line will operate between Ashington and Newcastle, calling at Seaton Delaval and Manors.

Four more stations, which have not been completed in time, will open in 2025.

Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson said: "This is a truly groundbreaking project of national importance that has been talked about almost since the line was closed for passengers over 60 years ago."

Only Ashington and Seaton Delaval stations are completed

The £298.5m Northumberland Line project involved Northumberland County Council, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Northern Trains.

The project had a number of setbacks with the start date repeatedly pushed back and the costs, including for a new bridge at Newsham, spiralling.

When the scheme was first mooted in 2020, it was estimated it would cost in the region of £160m.

It was hoped Newsham station would be ready, but that has been delayed until early 2025

Just two stations, Ashington and Seaton Delaval, are finished, with Bedlington, Bebside, Northumberland Park and Newsham expected to open in 2025.

The service will also stop at Manors.

Mr Sanderson said it had been a "hugely difficult project" with "very significant engineering challenges".

"Despite the enormity of the job we have been determined to reopen the line and that is what we have done," he added.

Operator Northern has carried out hundreds of test journeys along the stretch.

Regional director Jason Wade said he was "confident of providing a safe, reliable and affordable service".

Dennis Fancett from the South East Rail User Group has campaigned for 19 years for the line to reopen

Dennis Fancett, Chair of South East Northumberland Rail Users Group (SENRUG), said he was "absolutely delighted".

"People living in these communities will now be able to plan their Christmas and New Year trips by train, not just to Newcastle but also to locations further afield such as York or London," he said.

The Northumberland Line will run a half-hourly service, taking 35 minutes from Ashington to Newcastle.

Tickets are expected to go on sale a week before trains begin running.