After receiving endorsement in the Government’s Strategic Vision for Rail, locals in Northumberland hope reopening of the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne line for passenger services is closer than ever. PHILIP SHERRATT reports
For those living near a working railway which has no passenger services, the frustration must be acute. And that is the situation facing residents in the south-east corner of Northumberland.
As with many routes, the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne (ABT) line lost its passenger services during the 1960s under the Beeching cuts, in this case with the last services running in 1964. But the line remains in situ for freight workings to the Port of Blyth and Lynemouth Power Station.
The South East Northumberland Rail User Group (SENRUG) has led a lengthy period of campaigning for the reintroduction of passenger services since its formation in 2004. Its chair, Dennis Fancett, says a pivotal moment was the running of a charter train on the line in 2008. ‘That was probably the key factor in changing public opinion as everyone realised the potential of the scheme’ he says. ‘Now it is fully supported and led by Northumberland County Council and we are delighted about that.’
The council has since christ…
