PLANS for a string of new train stations along the Durham coast and into Teesside are taking shape.

A study was last year commissioned to investigate the viability of building new stations at Hart in Hartlepool, Old Billingham and Roseworth in Stockton, the Ings in Redcar, and South Cleveland Hospital.

The stations have been included in the local transport plan of the relevant local authorities and have received provisional funding over the next five years.

An initial total cost of £3.5m has been estimated for the stations, but this figure could rise when detailed designs are completed.

Railtrack started an assessment into the proposed sites to see if the track infrastructure, signalling and engineering in the areas will support new services.

But since the company went into administration, the Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit have put the consultancy for the detailed costs out to tender.

They are expected to appoint a consultant firm in the next month.

The stations will include facilities such as car parking, lighting and refreshments.

As well as the new stations, a review has taken place of facilities at existing stations in the area.

It is hoped the stations at Hart, Old Billingham and Ings will be up and running by 2004.