A PROPOSED InterCity train link offering direct access from the Durham coast to London has been welcomed.
Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority offered its broad backing to the Grand Central Railway Company's proposals, subject to a detailed business case being submitted.
The company is applying to the Office of Rail Regulation for track access rights between Sunderland, Hartlepool, Teesside, York and London on a non-franchised, open access basis.
If approved, the company believes up to four services a day could be operating in each direction via the Durham coast line, stopping at Sunderland and Hartlepool stations, by December next year.
It would fill a gap in long-distance rail availability for commuters from Wearside, east Durham and Hartlepool, who use connecting trains to access InterCity services.
Authority vice-chairman Councillor Joe Lawson said the proposals were supported in principle by the authority, provided local rail and Metro services were not adversely affected.
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