Ashington and Blyth:

• Stations: Seaton Delaval, Bedlington, Newsham (for Blyth)
and Ashington.

• Population: 79,000 (Ashington, Blyth and Bedlington).

• Location: North East of Newcastle.

• Catchment area: A station at Ashington would also provide a
railhead for Newbiggin and Lynemouth.

• Current rail access: from Ashington via Morpeth (seven miles); from
Blyth via Whitley Bay, Metro (7 miles) or Newcastle (14 miles).

• Proposed link: using current freight route and signalling. 14.5
miles from Benton Junction, of which 6.5 miles is double
track. 12 level crossings involved.

• Formation: Existing freight route. Park and ride station site for
Blyth proposed at Newsham. Original station site could be
used at Ashington, but alternative site to the south may be
required to provide car parking.

• Indicative capital cost: £34m, including stations.

• Train service: Hourly. Additional service from Newcastle or
Metro Centre to Ashington.