Which are the possible Leamside Line stations?
Maps have shown where potential train stations of a disused rail line could be if the route is restored.The Leamside Line, which runs from Pelaw in Gateshead to Tursdale in County Durham, closed in the 1960s.A map published in North East mayor Kim McGuinness' Local Growth Plan shows possible stations at Penshaw, Fencehouses, West Rainton, Belmont, and one to serve Shincliffe and Bobwurn, before connecting to Ferryhill.The plan estimates restoring the full length of the line could provide new train links to 100,000 people and unlock the potential to build 10,000 homes.
The North East Combined Authority said it was an "exciting" project and all maps were currently "illustrative". The plan states a reopened Leamside Line would try to replicate the success of the Scottish Borders Railway connecting Edinburgh and Tweedbank.
The first stage of reopening would use the northern section of the line to create a new Washington Loop of the Tyne and Wear Metro.It could include two Metro stations in Washington and another to serve Follingsby.According to the map, trains could also run through communities on the southern section of the route if that is restored.This includes potential stations at Penshaw, Fencehouses, West Rainton, a 'Durham Parkway' station at Belmont, and one to serve Shincliffe and Bobwurn, before connecting to Ferryhill.The mayor committed £8 million last year to develop a more detailed business case for taking the Metro to Washington.There has also been Government funding to support earlier-stage planning for Leamside South, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
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