A new UK railway station has opened as part of a massive £300million project aiming to reduce traffic on key roads by moving residents away from car travel. Newsham station, one of six new stops on the Northumberland Line, began passenger operations yesterday. Ashington and Seaton Delaval stations are already operational, and stops in Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park are scheduled to open later this year. 

This will be the first time that non-freight services have run in the region since cuts in the 1960s saw many stations axed nationally. Newsham station now allows people to travel to Newcastle in 21 minutes, with a peak-time return ticket costing £4.80. Figures released by Northern, which operates the Northumberland Line’s services, showed around 50,000 passenger journeys were made on the stretch of railway in the first month, with that figure now having surpassed 110,000.

“The amazing passenger numbers show that this very ambitious project has been needed for decades, and that the real commitment from the county council along with our partners has paid dividends for our residents, tourists and businesses,” Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said before the station’s opening.

“The opening of Newsham Station will no doubt bring a further boost to passenger numbers and we look forward to residents and visitors using this station in the very near future.” 

Rail Minister Peter, Lord Hendy said tens of thousands of people have already benefited from the reopening of the Northumberland Line.

He added: “The line is having a transformational impact on a region that was unserved by the railway for 60 years, stimulating economic growth in line with the Government’s Plan for Change, providing better travel options for local people and opening up new opportunities for businesses.” 

Richard Beeching was Chairman of the national body British Railways in the 1960s, and his report led to far-reaching changes in the railway network, including many stations being axed.