Today Northumberland County Council put out a Press Release saying they are pressing ahead with the Ashington Blyth & Tyne re-opening, and noted the Northern franchise document commits the new operator to liaising with them to achieve this. Excellent that NCC are making progress. The next step is for them to sign off the GRIP 2 & 3 study with Network Rail, which we understand is expected any day now. Also excellent the scheme is mentioned in the DfT franchise specification. Though we should not be over-optimistic. That does not mean it will definitely happen; only that DfT have acknowledged Northumberland are progressing the scheme and it should come on stream during the life of the franchise. So, an excellent boost, but no room for complacency. SENRUG will keep campaigning.
