New bus route links coast towns to train

The new bus service from Beadnell, Seahouses and Belford will connect with rail services from Chathill to Newcastle

People living in three coastal communities are to get a new bus service which will link to the nearest railway station.

From Sunday, a new 918 service will connect the Northumberland towns of Belford, Seahouses and Beadnell to the station at Chathill.

The route will connect twice daily with the Northern service to Newcastle.

Guy Renner-Thompson, county councillor for the Bamburgh ward which includes the three towns, said: "It's a vital connection which means people in these towns who don't drive can get to Newcastle for work and college".

Beadnell is popular with tourists but has limited public transport

"It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing and we'll continue to campaign for more services from Chathill and the re-opening of Belford station," he added.

The existing X16 route, currently operated by Arriva North East between Newcastle and Morpeth, is also being extended to include Wooler and Coldstream, and Kelso in Scotland.

It replaces the 710 service operated by Glen Valley which previously offered only one return journey on certain days.

Seahouses has a population of 1,800 people

John Holwell, Chairman of Chathill Rail Action Group, said: "It's great news that the county council is supporting Chathill Station by bringing in this bus service.

“We will continue to campaign for more services to the station so locals and visitors have proper rail access on the Northumberland Coast".