Newsham Bridge opens over Northumberland Line

It was initially hoped the Northumberland Line would open with six stations, but Bedlington, Bebside and Northumberland Park have been hit by construction delays and are not due to open to passengers until 2025.

Dennis Fancett, chair of the South East Northumberland Rail Users Group (Senrug), said: "With the new Newsham Road bridge operational, the opening of the first phase of the Northumberland Line can surely not be far away.

"However, it is now time for a specific opening date to be announced and for tickets to be placed on sale, so that passengers can start booking Ashington to London tickets for instance."

A Northumberland County Council spokesman confirmed services were still anticipated services to start this summer.

As part of the same project, the A189 Spine Road will be closed overnight from 20:00 BST on 3 August until 06:00 on 5 August.

It is for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, serving the station at Blyth Bebside, to be installed.