Northumberland Estates today welcomed a decision by government ministers to approve a new Northumberland rail line.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has granted an order authorising the purchase of land and the closure of level crossings following a public inquiry into the scheme.
Rory Wilson, chief executive of Northumberland Estates, said: “ This decision is a major step forward for what is an important project for the region. Businesses such as ours throughout Northumberland want to see economic development driven forward and the rail line will be a key element of that.
“We also welcome the Minister’s decision to vindicate Northumberland Estates’ position and refuse Network Rail a directive it sought in relation to wayleave arrangements on land the railway operates across. In doing so, the government addressed clearly the only contentious issue between the parties.”
