Today The Northumberland Gazette online edition reports progress on the Northumberland Line – known to SENRUG supporters as the Ashington Blyth & Tyne Line. Good cross-party support at the North East Joint Transport Committee, Seaton Delaval and Bebside stations are re-instated into Phase 1, and new but welcome information is that the line is to be included in the Metro fares zonal scheme. Still no final funding commitment from government, but the updated business case will now be submitted in early October and will perhaps reach the Treasury by November. Is a final announcement of full funding commitment before Christmas too much to hope for? It would certainly bring good cheer to this part of the North East, and keep hopes of the 2024 opening alive.
