Yesterday our neighbours over in Horden marked the opening of a fantastic new rail station in their village, and we all have good reason to celebrate along with them because of the opportunities the station brings to the whole of East Durham.
The opening event itself was unavoidably a somewhat subdued affair because of the social distancing measures put in place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but nonetheless it was a landmark day for the people of East Durham who have embraced the new development with the enthusiasm it deserves.
Since the first train passed through Horden early yesterday morning I've received a number of queries from residents asking about how the plans for the new station came into being and what the new station means for the communities of East Durham.
Eight years ago I published an article on this site setting out the background to how Horden station came about, and how a small number of East Durham councillors from Blackhall, Horden, Easington and Peterlee got together in county hall back in 2010 to kick-start the campaign to establish a new rail station for East Durham (please see post dated Monday 23 January 2012 for details).
I've reproduced my 2012 article in full below for ease of access:
The opening event itself was unavoidably a somewhat subdued affair because of the social distancing measures put in place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but nonetheless it was a landmark day for the people of East Durham who have embraced the new development with the enthusiasm it deserves.
Since the first train passed through Horden early yesterday morning I've received a number of queries from residents asking about how the plans for the new station came into being and what the new station means for the communities of East Durham.
Eight years ago I published an article on this site setting out the background to how Horden station came about, and how a small number of East Durham councillors from Blackhall, Horden, Easington and Peterlee got together in county hall back in 2010 to kick-start the campaign to establish a new rail station for East Durham (please see post dated Monday 23 January 2012 for details).
I've reproduced my 2012 article in full below for ease of access:
Monday, 23 January 2012
East Durham Rail Station
Funding has been made available in the Durham County Council's capital programme for a new rail station in East Durham.
Whilst I remain firmly in favour of a station at Blackhall we must consider this in the context of previous discussions at county hall which resulted in the council's current position of supporting a station at nearby Horden.
In October 2010 members from East Durham tabled separate proposals for a station in East Durham. I put forward a strong case for a station at Blackhall on economic and environmental grounds. This was based on the existing infrastructure at the former rail halt site near to the Navy Club on East Street. A bridge remains in place connecting the north and south bound lines and there is the obvious advantage of direct access to the Durham Heritage Coast. I also emphasised the importance of integrated public transport opportunities given the close proximity of connecting bus and road links to neighbouring towns and villages.
It was accepted that a new station at Blackhall supported a strong catchment area for potential passenger numbers and also offered a clear opportunity for people in the village and surrounding settlements to access public transport on employment and leisure grounds. The benefits to the retail sector in the village were equally obvious.
However the council recommended that if a station was to be sited in East Durham Horden should be the preferred site for similar reasons. It seems the clinching argument for this recommendation was the immediate availability of land near to the proposed site at Horden which held out the opportunity for development and expansion for further infrastructure works, including public car parking and bus links.
Since this development I have contacted Network Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority to support the inclusion of a rail station in East Durham and again I drew attention to the opportunities offered by rail facilities at Blackhall on regeneration grounds as set out above.
To mark yesterday's event Durham County Council issued the following press release setting out the potential benefits the new rail station in Horden offers to the whole of East Durham:
The first scheduled train stopped at the new Horden station this morning (Monday, 29 June), marking the entry into service of the £10.55 million development near Peterlee.
Located on South East View, the station links the east of the county into the local, regional and national rail network and will support the wider regeneration of the area.
The development is a joint project between us, Network Rail, Northern and Story Contracting and is being funded by the council, with an additional £4.4 million from the Department of Transport's New Stations Fund and a grant from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.
Major economic boost
Rail industry projections suggest the station will see more than 70,000 passengers each year, once social distancing measures are lifted.
Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of the council, said: "It has been a long-held ambition to have a station at Horden so, after a number of years of hard work and commitment by ourselves and our partners, it's fantastic that we have now welcomed the first train and the first passengers.
"This new facility will open up significant opportunities for communities across east Durham, by providing a direct transport link to Teesside, Wearside and Tyneside. And, of course, it will also make it easier for people from outside the area to travel to the east of the county, whether for business or pleasure.
"It is going to provide a major economic boost to the county and I'm sure residents and businesses will be keen to take advantage."
Ministerial support
Transport Secretary and Northern Powerhouse Minister Grant Shapps, who visited the site at the beginning of the year, said: "Our ambitious plans to restore and revitalise the railways of the North East sits at the heart of our commitment to level up infrastructure across the country, build a railway that works for everyone, and kickstart our economy as we begin the recovery from Covid-19.
"I've seen first-hand how the new Horden Station will improve connectivity for thousands of people, easing congestion in Durham and enabling quick, convenient travel between Newcastle and Middlesbrough."
Simon Clarke MP, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government said: "We want to improve connectivity across the North East in all its forms as part of our mission to level up every part of our country.
"The opening of Horden station is an important step for the local community - bringing new opportunities for people and businesses across County Durham. It's a great example of how our multi-billion-pound Local Growth Fund is ensuring that essential, local projects get the backing they need."
Opening event postponed
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the official opening event for the station has been postponed and will take place when it is safe for it to do so.
Passengers using Horden Station are reminded of government guidance to consider all other forms of transport before using public transport. They are also reminded that everyone using public transport in England must wear a face covering unless they are exempt.
Anyone without a legitimate reason to visit the station may be refused access in order to ensure the safety of staff and passengers.
Helen Golightly, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP), said: "Improved travel connections open up both leisure, employment and business opportunities which is why we were keen to support the development of Horden Rail Station by investing £3.34m of Local Growth Fund funding.
"We look forward to passengers and local communities and economies reaping the benefits this new station will bring."
Improved connections
Kieran Dunkin, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, said: "We're absolutely delighted that Horden station is now open for passengers.
"The station is vital to help support the communities and economies which our railway serves and will provide improved connections across the region, opening up both leisure and employment opportunities.
"This has been a great example of partnership working and we look forward to passengers reaping the benefits of this much needed project."
Tony Baxter, regional director at Northern, said: "It's fantastic to see a new station in County Durham and a real honour to be the first custodians of the facility.
"Our regular services between Tyneside and Teesside will provide people in and around Horden with new commuting and leisure possibilities and will provide the opportunity for further economic growth.
"Northern is extremely proud to have worked in partnership to deliver this station and we look forward to welcoming new customers onto our network with Horden now a gateway not only to the rest of the north east, but the whole of the north of England."
"Northern is extremely proud to have worked in partnership to deliver this station and we look forward to welcoming new customers onto our network with Horden now a gateway not only to the rest of the north east, but the whole of the north of England."
