Marianne O'Sullivan, policy manager, North East Chamber of Commerce.

North East Chamber raises voice of businesses for ‘vital’ Leamside line reopening

The North East Chamber of Commerce has raised the voice of the region’s businesses at a meeting in London with UK rail minister Huw Merriman and North East MPs.

The Chamber highlighted the economic benefits of reopening the Leamside railway line for the region at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). The minister spoke about the need to highlight the voice of businesses, as well as the benefits of the Leamside Line, and how it can improve resilience along the East Coast Main Line.

The chair of the Chamber’s transport forum Kevin Bell, from Womble Bond Dickinson, emphasised how important the Leamside Line is to the North East’s economy, and Transport North East’s managing director Tobyn Hughes gave an update on the business case development for the Washington Metro loop.

Marianne O’Sullivan, policy manager at the Chamber, commented: “The case for the Leamside Line has been strengthened by having cross-party support in the North East. It was incredibly useful to hear directly from the minister, and for the region’s businesses to be able to put their case forward for the line.

“It’s vital that this essential piece of infrastructure is delivered, it would bring huge economic benefits to the North East. We will continue to work with our members to advocate for the reopening of the Leamside Line.”

The disused railway line, which runs from Pelaw in Gateshead to Tursdale in County Durham, closed in 1964.

The APPG plans to work with the minister on the case for the Leamside Line, and the Chamber will continue to liaise with members as part of the campaign to reopen the line. The meeting took place on 24 October at Parliament Street in London.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily