MP wants to see entire Weardale line reopened

NORTH West Durham Conservative MP Richard Holden has launched a campaign to look at extending the Weardale Railway to its original length of 25 miles from Bishop Auckland to Wearhead.

He is working to support The Auckland Project, which bought the heritage line in 2020.

Mr Holden, who was elected in 2019, would also like to see the reinstatement of a branch to Crook via Howden-le-Wear over which a passenger service could run.

He said: “I am delighted to announce the launch of my new campaign to look at reopening the Weardale line as both a passenger and freight railway.

“This would be a huge boost for local businesses, employment and educational opportunities and would increase tourism in our local area.”

“This is part of my wider campaign to level up transport in north west Durham,” he added.

“I will be pushing Government Ministers and my Parliamentary colleagues to give our area the support it deserves.”