Northumberland Line: Business Optimism Meets Station Opening Delays

Local businesses situated along a newly established railway line have expressed optimism that the forthcoming passenger services will attract “new customers.” However, a sense of frustration persists among others due to ongoing delays in the opening of four stations. The Northumberland Line, connecting Newcastle to Ashington, is scheduled to commence operations on 15 December, yet only two of the new stations have been completed. Emma Fullwood, who has established a new nursery directly opposite Ashington Station, anticipates that the service will “attract parents using the train to get to work.” Conversely, Malcolm Robinson, a councillor representing Bedlington West, stated that the deferrals affecting his town’s station mean residents would “be stuck at the barriers waving at the people on the train, with no train to get on.” The initial expectation was for the line to launch with six new stations, but construction is still underway at Newsham, Blyth Bebside, Bedlington, and Northumberland Park. Ms Fullwood mentioned that the decision to open her new nursery in Ashington was partly influenced by its proximity to the station, which she believes could be “useful for parents.” She added, “The children have been watching the trains go by during the testing, it’s been so exciting, they just love it.” Paul Rowland, an IT engineer from Blyth, intends to utilize the train “several times a week for commuting” once Newsham’s station becomes operational. He commented, “I’d like to cut down on my car use, but it’ll also be useful for nights out in Newcastle.” Nevertheless, Councillor Robinson believes that Bedlington, whose station is slated to open next year, has been “ignored.” Robinson further elaborated, “The barriers at Bedlington Station are going to be closed for several hours overall a day, it’ll split the town in two but with no train for anyone to get on.” Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, attributed the project’s challenges to a “huge undertaking with the wettest winter in 200 years, engineering challenges and unmapped mine works.” He reassured, “We are working as fast as we can and these stations will be open within months.”