Station survey The branch is conducting a survey on the condition of stations and one of the preliminary findings is that it is usually difficult to find just who is responsible for the stations. Many stations offer great potential for development.
Mail trains EWS speakers at our February branch meeting gave us details of the new £1million maintenance depot at Tyne yard for the 55 Railnet trains. The EWS men Ward Simpson and Mark Coyle said they expected big growth in wagon-load traffic.
Freight potential Seaham harbour could reopen to rail traffic and a rail-served freight terminal is planned for Aycliffe on the Darlington-Bishop Auckland line. Cement trains could return to eastgate now that the factory has been reprieved from closure.
Passenger plea Branch chairman Peter Wood is seeking a meeting with Northumberland County Council in a bid to get a passenger service on the freight-only Blyth and Tyne line.
New stations Consultants engaged by Durham County Council, Railtrack, Northern Spirit and Nexus are identifying where rail stations could be added to the area network.
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