Northumberland County Council have issued a statement today confirming the line will open as expected in Summer 2024, but have also acknowledged that not all the intermediate stations will be available on day 1. Bedlington and Bebside will form a “phase 2” and are expected to open shortly afterwards, whilst Northumberland Park will be a 3rd phase and will come on stream after that. See the Council’s Press Release here. I was asked to comment by The Northumberland Gazette and gave this statement:
Dennis Fancett, Chair of SENRUG – The South East Northumberland Rail User Group – which has campaigned for the re-opening for the last 19 years said “Whilst we are naturally disappointed some stations won’t come on stream initially, we support the plan of getting the Ashington – Newcastle service going as soon as possible. It would be pointless to hold this back until the full scheme is ready. Even London’s prestigious Elizabeth Line was obliged to open without one of the intermediate stations initially. We are assured by the Council work is progressing at pace on the remaining stations, and all the finance is in place. I look forward to riding on a Northumberland Line train this summer, even if not from my local station initially.”
