00:00Regional transport leaders have agreed initial funding to develop future rail schemes, including a proposed extension of the Northumberland line,
00:09which was reinstated after decades out of use and reopened to passengers in December 2024.
00:15The North East Combined Authority has committed £2.5 million to a rail development fund, intended to advance planning work
00:23across multiple projects.
00:25Northumberland County Council leader Glenn Sanderson has indicated a planning application could be prepared by 2028 for an extension towards
00:34Newbiggin-on-Sea, with a possible additional station serving Wandsbeck General Hospital.
00:40The same funding pot is expected to support early work linked to reopening Ferryhill Station in County Durham as part
00:47of proposals connected to the Leamside Line Corridor.
00:50Officials say the fund will help build a pipeline of deliverable rail propositions, though each scheme would still require further
00:58approvals and financing.
01:00Since reopening, more than 1 million journeys have been recorded on the Northumberland line, with services currently operating between Newcastle
01:08and Ashington via several new stations, and another at Bedlington due to open.
01:13Demand has led to calls for longer trains, although operators report limited spare rolling stock, while discussions continue on possible
01:23solutions within existing budgets.
01:25Further updates are expected as plans progress.
01:28Versa seat for Pacific Express.
01:28Versa
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