Today, I got up early to say a few lines on BBC Radio Newcastle’s Breakfast Programme with Matt Bailey, about the possibility of extending the Northumberland Line to Newbiggin. This follows a most welcome statement from the County Council that they are committed to the plan. Of course, it was always part of SENRUG’s original proposal that the line would extend to both Woodhorn (serving the museum, the hospital and acting as a park and ride for Ellington, Linton, Lynemouth and Amble) then on via 0.8 mils of new (single) track to the centre of Newbiggin. Matt’s approach, referring to the “Costa del Newcastle” might have seemed a little comical, but it is absolutely right that this extension, once implemented, would both open up access to employment and education in Newcastle and Cobalt for Newbiggin residents, whilst regenerating the seaside village of Newbiggin by bringing in leisure travellers from Newcastle, Tyneside and beyond. We of course fully support the Council in pushing forward with this plan.
