@chrisnorthern

Had a look in the 'bye-gone era' and it had started travelling to the Metrocentre by the late 80's.
It looks like there is a gap of a few years missing from there.
Whilst the Metrocentre opened in 86, I have no idea if the 301 was going there from day 1 or not.

I am starting to wonder if the 301 route via Saltwell Road, was replaced by the 733 - which until the 28a, may have been the only service that travelled the length of Saltwell Road.

There was discussion around Saltwell Road services somewhere on the forum after Marcus shared a photo of a VR in a silver livery - painted for a festival in Chester le Street in 83.