We fully support Northumberland County Council in their proposals being submitted to the Department for Transport in March 2021 to increase the number of local stopping trains at the following stations on the East Coast Main Line:  Cramlington, Morpeth, Pegswood, Widdrington, Acklington, Chathill, Alnmouth and Berwick.

The services are to be operated by 100mph electric multiple units with journeys being fast, reliable and able to fit between current paths of intercity services. Hourly or preferably half hourly stopping services would have huge benefits in terms of the accessibility to jobs, educational opportunities etc for residents whilst further opening up the Northumberland tourist economy in a sustainable way. Such a train service would also help build the case for a new station at Belford.  

This petition will be submitted to the Department for Transport and Secretary of State, Grant Shapps, in support of the council's proposals. We highlight as part of our petition the invaluable work of the South East Northumberland Rail Users Group who have been helping NCC build the case for the proposals.

Established by: Northumberland Conservative Councillors & Candidates, supporting additional local trains on the ECML.