Campaigners and local officials are backing plans to extend the Northumberland Line, aiming to bring rail services back to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea for the first time in more than six decades.

The line, which reopened last December between Ashington and Newcastle, has already exceeded expectations, carrying over 700,000 passengers in its first year—double the number originally forecast. Now, attention is turning to expanding the route further east, with hopes that Newbiggin-by-the-Sea could be connected by building less than a mile (1.6km) of new track.

Dennis Fancett, chair of the South East Northumberland Rail Users Group (SENRUG), said:

"We've always campaigned for the line to go that far - it was part of the plan from the start."

SENRUG believes the majority of the extension could run along existing operational freight lines, keeping costs manageable, with only a short stretch of new track required just east of the A189 Spine Road overbridge.

The proposal also includes a potential station near Woodhorn Museum, which could serve as a park-and-ride hub for surrounding villages such as Linton and Ellington, helping to ease local congestion. Campaigners argue the extension could deliver significant economic benefits, enhance tourism, support local businesses, and improve access to employment and education.

Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, told a recent meeting:

"Both the authority and the North East Combined Authority are committed to trying to make it work."

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea last had a rail service when its original station closed in 1964 under the Beeching cuts. Feasibility work to explore the extension began earlier this year, although no costings have been confirmed, and two stations on the current line—Bedlington and Northumberland Park—have yet to open.

The campaign reflects a vision first proposed by SENRUG two decades ago, highlighting the enduring community interest in reconnecting the town to the regional rail network.

Image: Northern Rail