Online voices

STORY

Plans to reopen the disused Leamisde rail line will be debated in Parliament this week.

Sandra Noble: We've fought for at least five years for this line to be opened it would bring jobs in, people into work, and money into our town, which we desperately need!! It would be a massive bonus.

Chris Simpson: Will never happen levelling up is two words to get votes.

Ian Hope: I remember when the line was open in the 1980s. It was also a useful diversionary route. There also used to be a line from Ferryhill to Stockton. They should look at reopening that as well.

Amy Sixsmith: What a shame if it did, spoiling the walks and cycle routes that loads of people use daily! I would love to know who all the people ditching their cars would be for an unreliable expensive service!!

Jim Ditchburn: It's all about "levelling up" which will never happen.

David Martyn: This needs to happen it would make a huge difference for us.

Linda Wyatt: Won't hold my breath, been talking about this the past 30 years, give it another 30 then it might happen.

Joy Donaldson: About time so hard to get anywhere direct from Washington.

Derek Lewis: Not again, keeps cropping up in the news.

Simon Moss: t's a great opportunity for this Government to show their real commitment to the 'levelling up' initiative.

Alan Cooling: I reckon they will give the go ahead, for the year 2040 or thereabouts. But only if the south doesn't need the money.

Derek Jameson: Absolute waste of time and will ruin the area in my opinion.

Clive Featherstone: I live near the river Wear and can cycle to the line near Bowburn in about 30 minutes. I have actually gone along the line to near Hetton but it is very rough. It would be great if they could integrate the line with a walking and cycling route next to it. You could almost get to the coast off road.