Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress has been made by the Government on the proposed re-opening of the Ashington, Tyne and Blyth train line in Northumberland.

The re-introduction of passenger services on the freight only line between Ashington and Newcastle to improve connectivity between communities in South East Northumberland is being promoted by Northumberland County Council and they have recently agreed to fund further scheme development work by Network Rail.

The Department for Transport and Transport for the North (TfN) are happy to provide advice to the council to refine their business case.

We have recently published details of our new approach for rail network enhancement proposals and guidance for promoters and investors on market led proposals. We will be taking TfN’s advice on the priorities for the North of England. Further information is available on the GOV website at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/invitation-for-investors-to-invest-in-rail-infrastructure