A series of drop-in events are being held regarding ambitious plans for a new train service connecting North Tyneside and Newcastle to the south-east of Northumberland.
The passenger service, proposed by Northumberland County Council, could be in place by late 2022, subject to obtaining the relevant funding, running on existing tracks which are currently only used by freight trains. This would mean that a new train station would be provided in North Tyneside, at Northumberland Park, alongside the existing Metro station platforms.
To align with emerging potential funding opportunities, Northumberland County Council has proposed a phased approach to the delivery. The first phase would create four new stations at Northumberland Park, Newsham (for Blyth), Bedlington and Ashington with an hourly service (high peak half hourly). The remaining stations at Seaton Delaval and Blyth Bebside would come on line over the next two years.
A public consultation has now been organised to raise awareness of the scheme and find out more about what people would like the service to look like.
There will be two half day sessions at St Mark’s Church Hall, in Shiremoor, while people will also have the opportunity to submit their views online. There will also be events held in Northumberland that North Tyneside residents can attend.
To take part in the survey and find out more about the Northumberland Line, visit Northumberland County Council’s website: Northumberland Line consultation
The plans, which also have the support of the North of Tyne Combined Authority, would use existing rail infrastructure and are unrelated to the Metro line.
The drop ins will be at:
North Tyneside:
- Sep 12 - St Mark’s Church Hall, Brenkley Ave, Shiremoor, NE27 0PP - 10am-4pm
- Sep 16 - St Mark’s Church Hall, Brenkley Ave, Shiremoor, NE27 0PP - 3pm-7pm
Northumberland
- Sep 9 - Buffalo Community Centre, 55 Regent Street, Blyth, NE24 1LL 10am-4pm
- Sep 10 - Buffalo Community Centre, 55 Regent Street, Blyth, NE24 1LL 3pm-7pm
- Sep 11 - Seaton Delaval & Holywell Community Centre, Elsdon Avenue, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0BW - 10am-4pm
- Sep 18 - Seaton Delaval & Holywell Community Centre, Elsdon Avenue, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0BW - 3pm-7pm
ENDS
