I was delighted to hear today that the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) for the Northumberland Line (Ashington Blyth & Tyne Line) re-opening has been submitted. This is a formal legal application to the Secretary of State to open a new passenger railway line. At the same time, land acquisition and preliminary work which can be done in advance of formal planning consents continues. Northumberland County Council’s press release refers to the scheme being “targeted to open in 2024”. Earlier references to “trains running by 2023” appear to have been dropped. Nevertheless, this is real tangible progress that we very much welcome.
