Passenger train returns to line after 40-year absence - Video
Video
The 'Ashington Futre'
Published Date:
09 June 2008
By TEGAN CHAPMAN
ON Saturday the 'Ashington Future' became the first passenger train to run to the town in more than 40 years when it departed from Morpeth Station.
More than 300 passengers enjoyed three separate trips on the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne line as part of the South East Northumberland Rail User Group's (SENRUG) campaign to reopen the line.
Dennis Fancett, chairman of SENRUG, said the event had been a big success but it wouldn't be repeated next year because it is hoped the route will be open permanently by then.
The group is calling for a phased reopening of the line, with the first to extend the existing MetroCentre – Newcastle – Cramlington – Morpeth service on to Choppington and Bedlington.
The second phase would involve extending the service to Ashington and then beyond ton to a new station at Woodhorn, with a third phase to reopen the line completely.
The 'Ashington Future' was chartered from Northern Rail with funding from Wansbeck Council and made three journeys on Saturday.
The first trip was for councillors, MPs and stakeholders in the proposed scheme, with the second two sold out to members of the public.
The campaign has also included an online petition to 10 Downing Street, which was signed by 1,292 people.
The full article contains 218 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
09 June 2008 12:26 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Morpeth
