Trail section closed off after damage to viaduct

A SECTION of a Northumberland trail popular with walkers and cyclists has been closed over safety concerns after a section of masonry fell from a historic viaduct.

- JAMES ROBINSON

The South Tyne Trail, which follows the route of the river from its source to Haltwhistle, passes over the Lambley Viaduct near the town.

The 260m viaduct, which was built in 1852, used to carry trains running on the former Haltwhistle to Alston railway.

After the line’s closure in 1976, it was allowed to decay before the British Rail Property Board agreed to restore it and it was opened for pedestrian use.

It is currently owned and maintained by the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society, which aims to fully reopen the narrow-gauge railway line between Haltwhistle and Alston. The group has confirmed it is looking into the damage and the need for repairs.