'Unexpected problems' blamed for new station opening delay

DELAYS at the Bedlington station on the Northumberland Line have been blamed on ageing stonework and a water pipe under the planned car park.

- JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter [e-mail]

The opening of the station has been pushed back into next year, with others on the line already operational.

This has led to fury within the town. Speaking on a visit to the construction site, Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson said he recognised the concerns of residents but insisted that work was progressing well.

He said: "I was really surprised by two things - firstly by just how much work Morgan Sindall, the contractors, have actually done.

"It has been incredible since I was there last just a few months ago.