18 years of campaigning have finally paid off. Today, I was invited to a special meeting at the Newsham station site where Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper confirmed the Northumberland line will open. All funding is now in place, and passenger trains will be running by Summer 2024. Particular thanks to Council Leader Glen Sanderson and Deputy Leader Richard Wearmouth, not just for inviting me to the event, but for profiling SENRUG’s campaigning role in bringing today’s announcement about, and giving me opportunity to speak and put questions to the Minister.
Secretary of State Mark Harper (front left) with NCC Leader Cllr Glen Sanderson (front right), Ian Levy MP for Blyth Valley (back left) and Dennis Fancett Chair of SENRUG (back right) at the announcement to confirm the formal opening at Newsham. Photo Credit Northumberland County Council
I know I am a month late but well done for this achievement and it has certainly paid off after 18 tough years of campaigning to get this vital link between SE N’land to Newcastle and beyond open. I hope in the future we can get the Bedlington – Morpeth Link open and if I am really pushing the boundaries maybe some new metro style trains with higher frequencies too. Well done on this and I hope you and the new Northumberland Line well.