Concerns have been raised that Blyth could lose out from a rail connection because of a plan to restore services in phases. The council has provided assurances that the full project will be built. The reason for the pursuit of an initial £90m Newcastle to Ashington railway services is because it can be delivered within the timeframes of the Transforming Cities Fund.
The council approved £3.46m to develop the business case and detailed designs with output expected by the end of the year.