PM pledges to consider new rail line to Consett
MP CALLS FOR ROUTE LINKING TOWN WITH GATESHEAD
Political Reporter
THE Government will consider proposals for a new rail line linking Consett and Newcastle, Boris Johnson has pledged.
Mr Johnson told the House of Commons that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps “will be getting back to him” about the plans.
He was responding to North West Durham MP Richard Holden, who asked him to back plans for “a new rail line between Consett and the Metrocentre, connecting my constituency to the heart of the North East”.
The MP has submitted a formal “expression of interest” to the Department for Transport, asking it to look at building a new link.
If the Department for Transport agrees to take the plans further, the first stage would be to conduct a feasibility study to assess local transport needs, consider how much the project would cost and look at the economic benefit it would bring to the region.
The study, which could cost tens of thousands of pounds, would receive 75% of its funding from the Government’s new “Beeching fund” – part of the Government’s drive to re-open former rail routes.
Mr Holden said he had held months of meetings with local and national stakeholders. His proposal, if it becomes a reality, could lead to a new rail being built, or an extension to the Metro. The feasibility study is expected to look at different possible options.
Mr Johnson told the Commons the plan was “entirely in keeping with our infrastructure revolution.”
A Nexus spokesperson said: “Feasibility studies are being carried out in order to identify route corridors with the best potential for Metro services.
“We would then need to present a detailed business case to the Government, demonstrating the economic benefits it would bring, in order to secure funding needed.”