(15 Apr 2025, 7:55 pm)PH - BQA wrote Precisely this, and it wasn't like they didn't try! There were visible plans drawn up by an external company of the proposed site on Shields Road, and there were also heavy rumours of them looking into purchasing land to expand Ashington. However, from memory, massive cost increases (it was around the time of the Truss budget I think?) saw both of those ruled out in the end.
I've not seen Blyth since the redevelopment, but I do know that the Ashington yard is full to the brim when all vehicles are back - I think the only way they'd see any further services would be for more boards to go to Alnwick? Although it's likely got a bit of breathing room now that the 43 boards moved over to Blyth.
No arguments about lack of space but there must have always been some space.
You have to remember they've took on the 434, X16, 777, X30, an extra bus on the 57A and recently just 4 vehicles to Blyth from Ashington.
There's at least 6 PVR there plus the 4 vehicles recently moved out. More than enough for at least just the 53 which is the one which gave most space to the competition at both ends of the route.