Northumberland Line 'phased reopening' by summer

The Northumberland Line will see passenger rail return to the south east of the county for the first time since the 1960s

The Northumberland Line will partially reopen this summer days after it was announced it would not be in service until the end of 2024.

Conservative county council leader Glen Sanderson said there had been "challenges" with the project, but when fully reopened the rail line would be a "game changer" for travellers.

The stations due to be open in the summer are Seaton Delaval, Ashington and Newsham.

Councillor Jeff Reid, the council’s Liberal Democrat group leader, said the delay to the opening of Blyth Bebside was "disappointing".

The Northumberland Line will run half-hourly services between Newcastle and Ashington seven days a week

There is no exact timescale for the reopening of Blyth Bebside, Bedlington and Northumberland Park station, but it is hoped they will be in service by 2025, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The Northumberland Line 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.

Last week Mr Sanderson said it was "unlikely" the line would be running until the end of the year.

However, he has now confirmed that three stations will open sooner than was anticipated.

“I always under promise", Mr Sanderson said.

"I said by the end of the year, but if our contractors are happy it will be open a few months before, then great.

“As with any project under construction, challenges and issues have arisen, but we can’t let that overshadow the fact that the service will be up and running this year."

A spokesperson for Northumberland County Council said: “It’s fair to say work and discussions have been continuing with all partners and as soon as we were able to officially confirm a timescale for opening we announced it”.

Dennis Fancett, the head of the South East Northumberland Rail User Group, said: “While we are naturally disappointed some stations won’t come on stream initially, we support the plan of getting the Ashington to Newcastle service going as soon as possible.”

“It would be pointless to hold this back until the full scheme is ready,” he added.