New boost for plan to bring back axed railway line
BBCAn ambition to reopen a railway line axed in cuts 60 years ago has received a significant boost after being backed by the government.
Development work on the Leamside Line, which runs from Pelaw in Gateshead to Tursdale in County Durham, is set to progress as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) initiative.
It would bring new train services through Ferryhill, Shincliffe, Belmont, West Rainton and Penshaw, and provide an alternative path for freight trains, freeing up the congested East Coast Main Line between York and Newcastle.
Regional politicians say the line, which is also set to support an extension on the Tyne and Wear Metro, could provide links for 100,000 people in the North East.
Andrew Husband, Reform UK leader of Durham County Council, said: "It would help to connect thousands of residents without access to rail, to major employers, towns and cities across the region."
He added the line would also support building new homes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
LDRSFunding was agreed in 2025 for a restoration of the northern section of the disused route as part of a new Washington loop of the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Plans to improve rail services in the north also include improved services from Durham, Darlington and Newcastle.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, Labour, called it a "once-in-a-generation project".
"My region deserves major investment in transport and that's what we're delivering, ensuring Northern Powerhouse Rail services reach Newcastle, via Darlington and Durham."
LDRSNPR is the focus of the government's wider Northern Growth Strategy, which aims to also provide better jobs, more homes and increased investment in the north of England.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to end the cycle of broken promises for the region.
"This cycle has to end. No more paying lip service to the potential of the north, but backing it to the hilt," he said.
