The abandoned railway bridge over the South Tyne River at Haltwhistle seen from the A69 Haltwhistle Bypass Road - Date? Google Street View.

A new study into the possible restoration of the Haltwhistle to Alston railway has been received by Tynedale Council and the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society.
 
Tourism consultants Steer Davies Gleave, who prepared the report, concluded that reconstruction was highly desirable.
 
They consider that a narrow gauge railway between Haltwhistle and Alston would create "significant economic benefits" through income and employment generation.
 
It is estimated that complete restoration would create an additional local expenditure benefit of some £1.5 million per annum.
 
Construction costs could be around £10 million and work will now begin to identify possible grant aid sources.
 
With full restoration of the scheme as the ultimate goal, the consultants have made a number of recommendations.
 
The results of the study will be reported to Tynedale Council's planning committee on Tuesday, when they will consider endorsement of the consultants' report and support for construction of the Haltwhistle to Alston Arches section of the line.
 
FURTHER STUDY?
 
The committee will also consider commissioning a further detailed study of how to progress after that section.
 
This study would include a full consultation exercise, business plan, and refined costs.
 
Alternative funding sources would also be pursued by the council's economic and community development section, where this fits with other local strategies.
 
The South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society welcomed Steer Davies Gleave's report.
 
Chris Shaw, the society's liaison officer, said, "We are delighted that the consultants have found that complete restoration of the railway is attainable, both from a physical and economic point of view. They have found that there would be definite benefits for the economy of the area, both in terms of income generated and employment created. Although we accept that the lion's share of the economic benefits would arise from achieving construction of the full railway, the railway preservation society are already working on the extension of the existing line in stages."
 
He said the Haltwhistle to Alston Arches section would be an excellent project to help counter any negative economic impact associated with the bypassing of Haltwhistle.
 
COSTLY
 
"We also accept that the restoration of the full line would be costly and are keen to see more detailed costings for the intermediate stages from a further in-depth study," said Mr. Shaw.
 
John Barker, chairman of Tynedale Council's planning committee said, "Reinstating the complete line between Haltwhistle and Alston will provide a direct link into the national rail network. This would also provide a sustainable means of access into and from the AONB, which should encourage future grant aiding of the project."
 
ECONOMIC POTENTIAL
 
"Creating this new sustainable transport link between two largely separate tourist areas will also expand the economic potential for both areas."
 
The pre-feasibility study was commissioned by Tynedale Council and South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society.
 
Financial contributions were also made by Northumberland County Council, Haltwhistle Town Council, the Haltwhistle Partnership, Rural Development Commission, and RJB Mining.
 
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