Campaign group urges clarity on railway start date

When the Northumberland Line opens, trains will run between Ashington and Newcastle half hourly every day

A campaign group is urging clarification on the start date for a new railway line.

Operator Northern Trains has been advising passengers that the new Northumberland Line between Newcastle and Ashington will run from an unspecified date in December.

Northumberland County Council, which is managing the project, says it is still on track for a "phased opening" in December, but has not given a date.

The South East Northumberland Rail User Group (Senrug) says knowing when trains will start to run would allow people to make their Christmas travel plans.

The project involved the construction of a new road bridge at Newsham station

The new route will see passenger rail brought back to the south east of the county for the first time since the 1960s, connecting Bedlington, Ashington and Blyth with Newcastle.

Three of the line's six stations – Seaton Delaval, Ashington and Newsham – had been due to open in summer, but that was pushed back. The other stations are due to open in 2025.

Train services have appeared on the National Rail website from 15 December, but tickets cannot currently be bought for them.

Dennis Fancett, from Senrug, says knowing when services will begin running will allow people to plan Christmas travel

Chair of Senrug Dennis Fancett has asked for more transparency on exactly when services will begin and what stations will open.

"I can understand the Programme Board not wanting to set false hope by announcing a date and then having to change it," he said.

"But many people are saying to me we should by now have a clear plan that can be published.

"People want to make plans like can I go by train to do my Christmas shopping in Newcastle or MetroCentre, or if granny is coming to stay for Christmas.

"They want to know if they can get to Ashington by train."

Trains are now appearing on National Rail's website from 15 December, but tickets are not on sale for them

A spokesperson for the Northumberland Line said: "We are looking forward to bringing passenger trains back to communities in south east Northumberland for the first time in 60 years.

"As soon as the entry into service date is confirmed it will be communicated, as well as details around buying tickets."