Return of railway line could be extended to more towns

A much-anticipated railway line could be extended to more towns than previously announced, a councillor has claimed.

The deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, Richard Wearmouth, suggested the Northumberland Line, which is set to open this summer, could also reach Newbiggin and other stations.

The multi-million pound project will see the return of passenger rail to the area for the first time since the 1960s.

It will run from Ashington to Newcastle, stopping at Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park before continuing into the city centre.

Seaton Delaval, Newsham and Ashington stations are expected to open this summer, while the remaining stations are not expected to open until 2025 due to delays.

However, speaking at a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Tuesday, Conservative councillor Mr Wearmouth claimed the line could go even further.

News of a possible extension comes after details of a £110m fund from US equity firm Blackstone was unveiled.

The cash comes as part of the company’s plan to build an AI data centre at Cambois near Blyth, alongside its data subsidiary QTS, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A report presented to members explained that the fund, known as the growth and investment endowment fund (GIEF) will be paid out in stages, and linked to specific milestones of the data centre campus.

An indicative timeline explained that £30 million would be paid out in 2025/26, with further annual instalments until 2030/31.

Mr Wearmouth said it would mean the council could use the cash to link with its own strategic investments, including extending the Northumberland Line.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for South East Northumberland and the county more widely as well, because we can use the funds elsewhere," he added.

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