(29 Dec 2014, 2:06 pm)Dan wrote Both directions.
Go North East stated on their website that the changes are being made to improve reliability, with the service operating direct between Lambton and Chester-le-Street. Haven't looked at the timetable, but I'm guessing the time saved by not serving Ayton will be used up in increased layover time and/or recovery time at a timing point mid-route.
A quick look and it seems 1 extra minute at chester & concord.