The Northumberland Line rail scheme has received planning permission for both Ashington station and Northumberland Park station in the last two weeks.
Applications for Blyth Bebside, Bedlington and Seaton Delaval will be determined by planning committee in the coming months.
Some of our key milestones include:
The inquiry for the Transport and Works Act Order has been confirmed and will be taking place at Blyth Civic Centre, the inquiry will commence on 9 November, for more information please visit our webpage, and scroll to the TWAO drop down.
Morgan Sindall have been awarded the role of Primary Contractor.
Rerailing work between Holywell and Seghill has been completed, covering 2.8km of track.
Archaeology investigations will be undertaken in Seaton Delaval and will be followed by ground investigations along the length of the line.
An old pacer train has taken on a new lease of life following its transformation into a Railway Learning Centre and Library for students of The Dales School in Blythdale and Ashdale. The full-size Pacer train has been donated by Porterbrook and Network Rail to The Dales School, who work with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. This poses as an exciting opportunity for local children to learn more about the railway, as well as encourage them to engage with reading within a unique setting.
"It is every child's dream to have a real life train in their school yard. We are delighted the Pacer trains can be put to use for such inspirational projects that will help not just a school but a whole community”. (ITV News)
In conjunction with this exciting project, The Dales School are developing a railway course to promote rail safety, and to help children develop career aspirations in the rail industry. Overall, the Pacer train will provide an interactive and engaging learning opportunity for the students, as well as encouraging a lasting love for reading. https://www.newspostleader.co.uk/news/people/all-aboard-new-classroom-for-delighted-pupils-at-blyth-school-3315629 Call to action If you have any anecdotes, memoirs, photographs or sketches from life in and around the Northumberland Line, former Blyth and Tyne line, historic or recent that you would like to share with us, please send them to this mailbox - rail@northumberland.gov.uk with your permission, we would love to share them on our website.