BORIS Johnson has given a boost to the chance of resurrecting a mothballed County Durham train line and bringing a derelict station back into use after confirming that transport bosses are looking into the merits of both.

Since 1992, the 21-mile stretch of rail known as the Leamside Line that connects County Durham, Gateshead and Washington has been closed – leaving communities in the North East isolated and reliant on other forms of transport.

Read more: The County Durham locations that would be served by the Leamside line

For the last five years, campaigners, politicians and transport groups have tried, with varying success, to bring the Leamside route and Ferryhill Station back into existence, but have, so far, been unsuccessful.

In the most recent attempt to reconnect the communities of Ferryhill, Washington and Gateshead, Transport North East appealed for the project to be included in a regional devolution deal – something that County Durham’s MPs agree could get the scheme off the ground.

Despite the Leamside line and the County Durham station receiving a snub in last year’s ‘transformative’ rail plan from the government – the hopes of restoring it took a step forward on Wednesday (June 8) after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the business case was being reviewed by the Department for Transport (DfT).

The Northern Echo: The Leamside line hasn't been used since 1992. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.The Leamside line hasn't been used since 1992. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

Speaking in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Johnson highlighted the Leamside line.

He said: “I have followed his campaign for a long time. The Department for Transport (Dft) is reviewing the business case and other business cases.

“We are putting the funding in – more than the party opposite me could ever deliver.”

The Northern Echo: Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Picture: PA MEDIA.Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Picture: PA MEDIA.

Mr Johnson’s involvement in the Leamside line discussion was prompted after a question from Sedgefield MP, Paul Howell, who has campaigned for the reopening of both the historic route and Ferryhill Station.

Taking to the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Howell used his speaking opportunity to also mention the City of Culture 2025 award, which County Durham lost out to Bradford at the start of last week.

The Northern Echo: Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO. (Image: Contributor)

He said: “Can I congratulate my right honourable friends from Bradford on the City of Culture 2025 win, but I would also like to congratulate County Durham on its fantastic bid. Bradford must have something special to beat County Durham.

“Can my honourable friend confirm the progress on Ferryhill Station and the Leamside line, and the delivery of a good county deal for County Durham?”

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