Work to reopen old Northumberland Line could start ‘in a matter of months’

Work to reopen the former Northumberland Line could start "in a matter of months", regional leaders have said.

Plans are currently being worked on to resume passenger services between Newcastle and Ashington, with the project expected to cost about £162m.

And although transport bosses are still waiting for a decision on more Government funding for the scheme, it is hoped construction could begin soon.

“Now is an opportunity for us as a region to actually make this ripe for significant investment,” said Peter Jackson, the leader of Northumberland County Council.

“The Northumberland Line would be transformative to the whole area and our county, but it’s also a regional project and I’m very proud it’s actually getting nearer and nearer to being a reality.

“We could have spades in the ground in a matter of months on that one.

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