"FOR years, the North East has been down-trodden, but no longer" was the message today (February 4) from MPs and transport leaders when they met to discuss a proposed reopening of the Leamside line.

Since 1992, the vital 21-mile stretch of rail route from Gateshead, through South Tyneside, Sunderland and on to Ferryhill in County Durham, has been closed and mothaballed for the 30 years that's followed.

In recent years, several campaigns have come and gone to ressurect the dilapidated rail link - including the most recent attempt, which saw Prime Minister Boris Johnson snub the line in his Integrated Rail Plan (IRP); published in November 2021.

Read more: Leamside line hopes still remain after business and leaders meet

However, change could be on the horizon when it comes to the Leamside line, according to North East MPs, business groups and transport leaders, after plans are afoot to include the 21-miles of rail in a 'city plan proposal'.

Linking Sunderland, Washington and Ferryhill in County Durham, as well as numerous other locations, the project could be funded by recent and upcoming 'Levelling Up' money that's been handed to the region.   

The line’s reopening is strongly supported by the region’s political and business leaders. Today, Paul Howell MP for Sedgefield and Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, met with Cllr Martin Gannon, chair of the North East Joint Transport, at three strategic points on the line – Ferryhill, Follingsby and Washington.

The Northern Echo: A train passing through Ferryhill today. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.A train passing through Ferryhill today. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

For these three locations - the economic, social and environmental benefits could be "unrivalled", according to those that visited the North East today.

The visit also enabled the group to get a closer look at what scheme delivery in the future would look like.

Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield, has supported the reopening of the Leamside line since he was elected in 2019 - fighting for the regional rail link in the House of Commons and through political sub-committees.

Read more: Fresh Leamside Line hopes for County Durham communities

Earlier today, he told The Northern Echo that while the Leamside line may have fallen short of the government's Integrated Rail Plan, it's now positioned well to be included in "other funding mechanisms" that could "overhaul" the transport system in County Durham and beyond, including devolution deals. 

He said: "Just a few stops up the line here at Ferryhill, there's factories and business parks that are full of jobs. If we can connect everything together, we can provide these opportunities for the people of Ferryhill. 

"I've been fighting to make the Leamside line a priority and I don't want to stop here - I want to deliver this for the region, and everyone here today wants the same thing."  

Here's what Paul Howell MP had to say at Ferryhill today:

Alongside the MPs today, representatives from the North East Chamber of Commerce, North East Local Enterprise Partnership, Transport for the North, Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Nexus and Transport North East arrived to give their backing to the Leamside line. 

Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, was last at Ferryhill station in November 2021 to berate the government for their "lack of vision" after the Leamside line was snubbed by the Prime Minister.

However, today, he was focused on "delivering the key transport link at any cost," while highlighting the "disparity" in funding that the North East had received, compared to other regions. 

Read more: Ferryhill left in the lurch after Government reject Leamside rail link

He told The Northern Echo: "Business communities won't settle for anything less than the full Leamside line. The County Durham deal must deliver this key project and any other devolution deal must do the same. 

"A recent study shows that lack of public transport and infrastructure is one of the biggest factors in people from working class backgrounds not getting jobs. I'm determined to deliver a transport system that people in Ferryhill, Washington and the North East deserve." 

Here's the full interview with Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership: 

Now that MPs and transport leaders have met in Ferryhill, Follingsby and Washington, studies into passenger services throughout the North East will be carried out.

The studies will then be combined into a plan, which maximises the benefits to the North East, and will feature in a report to the Joint Transport Committee later this year.

Earlier today, Martin Gannon, chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said that "the North East is more than capable of supporting itself," but would welcome any funding from central government. 

Read more: Faint hopes of reopening the Leamside Line remain in County Durham

The transport chief also cited that this was "the best chance to reopen the Leamside line than we've had in years".

He told The Northern Echo: "Good public transport benefits everybody. Everyone talks about the Tyne and Wear Metro - it doesn't just benefit people from Tyne and Wear, it's there to be used for everyone. 

"That's the message we're trying to get across, the Leamside line would benefit locals, visitors and people from all walks of life."  

See the full interview with Martin Gannon, chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, below: 

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