RAIL chiefs over-estimated the costs of re-opening the Ashington , Blyth and Tyne line to deliberately scupper the proposals , it has been claimed (link below.)
http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/01/rail_line_reopening_was_delibe.html#more

Wansbeck MP Denis Murphy told the House of Commons that developing the line would drastically improve transport links in south east Northumberland and reduce road congestion across the region.

But mistaken claims by former network operator Railtrack that the re-opening could cost more than £45m effectively blocked the scheme , said Mr Murphy.