Campaigners welcome 'affordable' fares on new line

Passenger services on the line between Ashington and Newcastle are due to begin operating this summer

Rail campaigners have welcomed an announcement that the maximum single fare on a new railway line will be £3.

Northern will begin running services on the Northumberland Line when it reopens to passengers later this summer for the first time since 1964.

Services will call at Ashington, Newsham, Seaton Delaval, Manors and Newcastle when it opens, with a journey along the entire route taking 35 minutes.

Dennis Fancett, chair of the South East Northumberland Rail Users Group (Senrug), said the maximum price was "realistic and competitive".

Dennis Fancett of campaigning group Senrug, is urging the county council to confirm an opening date

"Additionally, the announcement of fares really does indicate we are moving close to an opening date," Mr Fancett said.

"Surely it is now time for the authorities to declare when that will be and to release times and fares into the national rail database so that tickets for journeys such as Ashington to London can be booked," he added.

Northumberland County Council said the line will open this summer, but has not yet confirmed a date.

The project has had a number of delays and increased costs, and stations in Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park are still under construction and will not open until next year.

Construction work continues at three stations which will not open until next year

Jason Wade, regional director for Northern, called it a "transformational project" adding "we’re proud to be offering affordable fares to people who will use our services to get to school and work".

Off-peak tickets will start from £1.20 and and a return trip will cost a maximum of £6.

An off-peak single for the same journey will be £2.60 and a return, £5.20.

Follow BBC North East on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].