Scheme could see platform built at Belford Station

The new railway station at Belford will allow passengers to use the services that stop there but are currently impossible to gain access to.

As well as a new station at Belford, if given the go-ahead, the proposals will see the £1.5m from the Department for Transport be spent on a programme of improvements at Morpeth, Cramlington and Alnmouth stations.

The scheme is at an early stage and further studies and land investigation works will still need to be completed, but it is hoped that work could commence in early 2011.

Villagers, who currently have to travel five miles to catch a train, formed the Belford Rail User Group (BRUG) in order to campaign for the station to be reopened. BRUG chairman and Belford parish councillor Geoff O'Connell said: "I'm over the moon. It's been a long slog that has taken just over 10 years.

"Many a time we've rolled the stone to the top of the hill to see it roll back down again.

"We've had the 'ghost train' which has come into the station but we've only been able to look at it while it waited for 10 minutes.

"But now with Government and council support, common sense seems to have finally prevailed."

The proposals will also create improved junction access at Morpeth railway station, allowing buses to stop and fully integrate with the rail interchange.

Work could start as early as March 2010 if the scheme is approved.

Cramlington and Alnmouth Railway Stations will see improved facilities including additional car parking spaces and improved pedestrian and cycling provision.

Coun Alan Armstrong, Northumberland's executive member for highways and transport, said: "These four schemes will significantly improve access to rail services and stations for both residents and visitors to the area. For Belford in particular, this is a fantastic opportunity to link into the rail network and enable members of the public to travel to Newcastle by train."

MP for Berwick, Sir Alan Beith, said: "I am very glad the Executive are recommending the council use this funding from the Department for Transport to build the platform at Belford. I've been working with local people to achieve this for several years so we can end the absurdity of a train coming to Belford twice a day which no one can board."