Residents' frustration as railway station delayed

Bedlington residents Jeanette Stoker and David McArdle were disappointed by the station delay

The news that a town's new station has been delayed until 2026 has been met with frustration.

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

It is the latest disappointment for Bedlington residents who feel the town is treated as a poor relation to others nearby. Between 2017 and 2023, it received £13.01m in capital investment from the county council, compared to £23.23m in Ashington and £39.4m in Blyth.

Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson insisted work was progressing on the station as quickly as possible.

Jeanette Stoker told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I've seen people on the train travelling up and down and we can't get on it.

"It would be so helpful for elderly people if they wanted to go to Newcastle - it's frustrating."

David McArdle said he was disappointed the railway had been delayed but felt it would be a positive for the town when it was finally completed.

He said: "When it does come back, it will bring more people to the area, more tourists."

'I wish I never moved here'

John Hume said it was very positive to have the return of passenger rail to the area for the first time since the 1960s.

He said: "After 30-odd years waiting for it, they're doing it now.

"They are spending the money on it."

Rosemary Wealleans moved to the town from Ashington five years ago.

She said: "We've got nothing here. We need something like a swimming pool, but we get nothing and Ashington gets everything.

"I wish I had never moved here."

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

Residents have long called for improved leisure facilities, but as yet none have been forthcoming.

Ms Stoker said: "There's nowt for the younger people now. No wonder they're getting into trouble."

However, there has been positive news for the town in recent months.

Work was completed on four new retail units at the town's market place.

Advance Northumberland, the Conservative-led council's development company, is set to move forward with the final two phases of the four-phase redevelopment of the town centre.

The town has also benefited from Borderlands funding as part of the Town Deal programme, with up to £3m set to be invested.