NEW flood defences could be installed later this year near the Carlisle to Newcastle line if given the 'go ahead' by rail bosses.

After extensive efforts, Northumberland County Council has successfully obtained the Deed of Easement with Thompson's, allowing them to establish and maintain a new highway surface water drainage system at Low Prudhoe.

This project involves installing drainage pipework through adjoining land owned by Thompson's.

Northumberland County Council has been actively engaging with Network Rail in a collaborative effort to gain their approval for parts of the drainage scheme near the Carlisle to Newcastle rail line.

This includes excavations near their pedestrian overbridge and access for resurfacing works at the level crossing.

Initially, Network Rail did not request additional engineering details, but later asked for detailed structural data. In response, Northumberland County Council has hired a civil engineering consultancy to provide the necessary information, demonstrating their commitment to meeting Network Rail's requirements.

Network Rail typically requires 16 weeks to review the information and grant consent. However, Northumberland County Council is actively working to expedite the process. Taking into account Network Rail's procedures and the project's scheduling needs, we anticipate that construction will likely commence in late summer or early autumn.

Northumberland Labour’s County Councillor Angie Scott said: "I have collaborated closely with the officers to address this longstanding issue and find a resolution."

"I am pleased to see that progress has begun and an agreement has been reached with the landowner. I look forward to this work being finalised."