A railway line

Public thanked as rail consultation closes

Public consultation on the reintroduction of a rail passenger service in Northumberland has closed. 
  
Over 1,000 people took the time to give their views on detailed plans for the Northumberland Line – which will connect Ashington to central Newcastle with a number of stops in between.  
  
With a proposed opening date for passenger services in winter 2023, thousands of residents a day are expected to use the service, while the scheme could boost the local economy by up to £470m.  
  
The ambitious project includes new stations at Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park in North Tyneside, as well as upgrades to the track and changes to level crossings where bridges or underpasses may need to be built.  
  
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member responsible for economic development, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who’s taken time to make their views known on this hugely important scheme for the whole region.  
 
“Due to the Covid restrictions it just wasn’t possible to do face to face consultation but we’ve got a lot of feedback on various elements of the scheme which is now being evaulated ahead of planning applications being submitted early next year. 
  
Council Leader Glen Sanderson added: “This scheme has the potential to transform this part of the world, not just in terms of transport links, but bringing a boost to education and job opportunities and a huge injection into our economy. 
 
“The public’s views are key to the scheme’s success and we look forward to more engagement with our communities as work progresses.” 
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