Opening of railway stations delayed until 2026
BBCResidents have been left frustrated by the latest delays to the opening of two new railway stations.
The Northumberland Line, between Ashington and Newcastle, opened in December, however, Bedlington and Northumberland Park stations will not welcome passengers until 2026.
Malcolm Robinson, Independent councillor for Bedlington West, said the delays were "eroding the public's trust" in such projects.
Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council, Glen Sanderson, said the project was "challenging" and the local authority was working to get the remaining stations open as soon as possible.
It was initially hoped the 18-mile (29km) line would open with six new stations, but only two, Ashington and Seaton Delaval, were completed when the line reopened to passengers, six decades on from the services in 1964.
Newsham Station opened in March.
No reason has been given for the delay by the local authority or rail operator Northern, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
'Immensely complicated'
Robinson, said residents had been "mostly unsurprised" by the news.
"It is a shame that Bedlington can't be part of this great success that is the Northumberland Line," he said.
"We've had that many promises time and time again. At the end of the day you're eroding public trust in all these projects.
"The worst part is we're waving at trains trundling through Bedlington so many times a day that it cuts the town in half because of the level crossing and we can't get on them.
"Lets hope it is open in the new year, but I think people in Bedlington will believe it when they see it."
Blyth Bebside station is still due to open in 2025.
Responding to Robinson's comments, Sanderson said: "I would rather under-promise and not delay than the other way round.
"We're working as fast as we can.
"Producing a new railway line is an immensely complicated and challenging project – but we are going to stick with it.
"I'm sure that, within a matter of months, Bedlington will be open and people will be able to enjoy it."