The strong usage of the Northumberland Line (between Ashington and Newcastle Upon Tyne) in it's first few months since opening in 2024 shows that this rail link has already been, and is likely to continue to be, a huge success for reconnecting southeast Northumberland to Newcastle after an absence of 60 years. 

The existing local rail network would allow this very strong start to be augmented further by utilisation of the existing Hepscott Line and Morpeth North Curve between Bedlington and Pegswood to offer a direct rail connection between southeast and north Northumberland, and into Scotland; which would arguably give a further economic boost to the former coalmining communities of the Northumberland Coalfield, an area long left behind, but now seeing the benefit of rail returning. 

Running a regular Newcastle to Edinburgh via southeast Northumberland rail service (Newcastle - Bedlington - Berwick - Edinburgh 'The Northumberland Coast Loop') would be of huge benefit economically, but also environmentally by offering a viable and cleaner alternative to driving, and allow people across East Northumberland to enjoy better connections within the county, and to travel beyond it, allowing better access to work and education, as well as leisure and to see friends and family. 

Please sign the petition if you support an Edinburgh - Bedlington - Newcastle rail route to be implemented as soon as practicable, it will help meet Net Zero Northumberland goals, as well as boost the local economy by better access to employment and education.