Northumberland MP urges Network Rail to postpone engineering works which will hit Newcastle's Wembley final
A Northumberland MP is calling on Network rail to postpone engineering work on the East Coast mainline - ahead of the Carabao cup final next month
A Northumberland MP is calling on Network rail to postpone engineering work on the East Coast mainline - ahead of the Carabao cup final next month.
North Northumberland MP David Smith was concerned that the planned work, set to take place on the weekend of March 15 and 16, could make life difficult for Newcastle United supporters looking to travel to London to support their team at Wembley.
The Magpies will face Liverpool in the final.
When United last reached the final two years ago, around 100,000 fans made the journey down to the capital from the North East.
In a letter to Network Rail, Mr Smith wrote: “I am writing in support of my constituents who will be hoping to travel down to London on the weekend of 15/16th March to watch Newcastle United compete in the Carabao Cup Final.
“I am aware that there are engineering works scheduled to take place on that weekend. Could I ask what plans are being put in place to ensure as many fans as possible can travel to and from this vital match by rail?
“Alternatively, and I know it is a huge ask, could these works be rescheduled to a different weekend to ensure fans are able to travel to London worry-free?”
However, Network Rail said rescheduling the work would cost the taxpayer millions. The company said it will work with operator LNER to ensure as many services run as possible.
Responding to Mr Smith’s comments, a spokeswoman for Network Rail told the LDRS: “Engineering work of this nature is planned years in advance, and this project is a key part of Darlington station’s £140m regeneration.
“It would cost several million pounds of taxpayers’ money to change these plans, causing a delay to the Darlington station project into 2026 – meaning it would also miss this year’s celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
“There would be a knock-on effect on other engineering projects too, bringing lengthy delays and causing much greater levels of future disruption. However, we are working closely with LNER to see as many services as possible run on the weekend of the League Cup Final, to help Newcastle United supporters on their way to Wembley.
“Our advice is for passengers to plan ahead and check all parts of their journeys with National Rail Enquiries or their train operators before travelling.”