Train station delays blamed on pipes and stonework

The opening of Bedlington and Northumberland Park stations has been delayed until 2026

The delayed opening of a new train station has been blamed on ageing stonework and a water pipe under the planned car park.

The Northumberland Line between Ashington and Newcastle opened in December, however Bedlington and Northumberland Park stations will not welcome passengers until 2026.

Bedlington residents reacted angrily towards the news, claiming the town was being treated unfairly in comparison to its neighbours.

Speaking on a visit to the construction site, Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson said he recognised the concerns but insisted the work was progressing well.

The Conservative leader said he was "surprised" about how much work contractors have completed in just a few months, but also that he was "really surprised" about the "level of unexpected problems" that have cropped up.

About four months were lost to moving a water pipe from the Bedlington car park.

Then, when they took down a supporting wall from the platform the stonework collapsed because of its age, Sanderson said, with every stone having to be taken off and re-laid.

Council leader Glen Sanderson the work on the station is progressing

"These are the two issues that have caused months of delays," Sanderson said.

"There have been others, but these two in particular."

Independent councillor Malcom Robinson, who represents Bedlington West ward, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the town was at the "back of the queue" when it came to major projects.

Addressing the anger, Sanderson said: "I do understand the annoyance and concern, but there have been really good reasons why we haven't been able to keep to the timetable that we wanted.

"The line is absolutely fantastic and Bedlington will soon be an integral and important part of that service."