Northumberland Line on track as approval granted.

A new rail line in Northumberland - including six new stations - is on track after getting ministers' support.

LRS provided Land Referencing Services to the project, which was given a major boost on Monday. It was confirmed that a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) has been granted for the line to go ahead. This allows the closure of level crossings, land purchases, and track works.

The decision from the transport secretary Grant Shapps comes after a month-long public inquiry last year.

It is planned to run a half-hourly passenger service along the 18-mile line, stopping at Bedlington. Following this, the service stops at Blyth, Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park Metro station.

Construction is due to get underway this summer.

Key Milestone

The aim is to open the stations and upgrade track between Newcastle and Ashington by December 2023.

Northumberland Council said it was a "key milestone" to restore passenger services lost in the 1960s.

A letter of approval was sent on behalf of Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps. TWAO unit head Natasha Kopala said the Northumberland Line was of "considerable importance to securing improvements in public transport". This is as well as "contributing to an improvement in social and economic conditions in south-east Northumberland."

Ms Kopala said while Mr Shapps noted "there would be localised adverse effects", the problems would be "clearly outweighed by the significant benefits".

Council leader Glen Sanderson said: "This is really positive news and is yet another key milestone this fantastic project has reached.

Inquiry

"The public inquiry was extremely thorough and carefully examined every aspect of the scheme over the course of several weeks.

"We can now look forward with renewed confidence as we continue to bring this much-needed rail scheme forward."

The secretary of state has removed all reference to a controversial underpass proposed in Ashington in issuing the order. This was following fears that it could become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

The notice added that traffic congestion from new level crossings is “only likely to be noticeable on a few routes”. In addition, it agreed with the development of land that will be used for car parking at Ashington station.

Council leader Glen Sanderson, said:

“This is really positive news and is yet another key milestone this fantastic project has reached.

“The public inquiry was extremely thorough and carefully examined every aspect of the scheme over the course of several weeks.

“We can now look forward with renewed confidence as we continue to bring this much-needed rail scheme forward.”