Campaigners call for more trains to stop at village

COMMUNITIES on the north Northumberland coast have presented a giant postcard to North East mayor Kim McGuinness in the hope of bringing more rail services to the area.

- DANIEL HALL

Chathill Station was the second least used in the North East between April 2023 and March 2024, with just 1,264 passengers over that 12-month period according to figures from the Office of Road and Rail.

There are only two slow trains operating to and from Newcastle Central Station per day - with those tipped to take even longer under the new East Coast Main Line timetable from December.

The full timetable, which has been called a slap in the face to Northumberland by a senior council figure, is expected to be finalised this summer.

Local campaigners believe that more services could open some of the most popular spots on the Northumberland coast up to those travelling on public transport, as well as boosting employment opportunities for young people in those rural areas.