Mark Ellis

After hearing about the great work of the Brighouse station adoption team on their gardens, I thought I’d have a look when I was here - brightens the place up nice & some great history boards too. @CommunityRail @TVCRP

Hate gardening, but trying my hand at growing some strawberry plants 🍓 Let’s see how #projectstrawberry goes over the summer…….

Delighted to attend the launch of new station artwork at Manors that’s been curated by Newcastle Deaf Centre with help from @tvcrp & @northernassist Passenger numbers are very much up since the Northumberland Line opened

@PickGS Consett has grown a lot & there’s space for growth elsewhere along the line - just a bit disappointed I can’t go to the event & hear what’s said

@markellis101 And consequently, particularly with regard to Consett, an upgraded A road would deal adequately with traffic and any commuting needs almost indefinitely. But in reality, communities have not only clung on but been redeveloped and there is scope to grow them further as you say.

Certainly an interesting thought. Local people will remember the current Shadow Transport Secretary somewhat controversially touted the Derwent Valley route before his tenure as the area's MP.

@PickGS It’s not without its challenges, but there’s huge potential to grow parts of Co Durham & help with some modal shift

@markellis101 Even from my non-expert perspective I'd agree. I think the DVR alignment is a non-starter and I know the station site at Consett now has the main road on it, but all the space from Bensham onwards and serving Team Valley, A1 and populations to south and west is too good to ignore

For once, new stations that aren’t on the Northumberland Line - aiming to have a visit at some point in the summer for a little compare & contrast. That’s if there’s a bit of spare time in the athletics diary on my trips this summer.

Lovin’ a steam powered DVT - had a little nosey at Peak Rail whilst I’ve been in Matlock

Handily in Bedlington for some unexpected light engine running with 66537 & 66546 heading back to Tyne Yard after taking scrap wagons to North Blyth - all go on the Northumberland Line

A lovely day spent at Bedlington promoting accessible travel to the town’s new station on the Northumberland Line - lots of happy customers & many making their first trip on the line

Another celebrity unit on the Northumberland Line this morning to accompany Dr Bike at our active travel event at Bedlington

@IANHALLIDAY7 Thanks for that - been a good day & glad your athletes enjoyed it

@markellis101 Thanks to you and everyone up there, my two's multi debut, both really enjoyed the day and were welcomed and looked after as well as always 👍

Been a busy day today & after the work fun, it’s been a day of volunteering at the NE Indoor Pentathlon - well done to Jessica, Matthew & Katie on their performances, with 3rd for Matthew & 2nd for Katie in the NE category. Top work from the group today & well chuffed for them 👍

Another proud day on the Northumberland Line - welcome to Bedlington

@alexhornbyrail @northernassist @N_landCouncil @NRLCRP @NorthEast_CA @networkrail @morgansindall @AECOM @transportgovuk I’m ready…..

It’s a big day for Bedlington today, as our newest station opens and the #NorthumberlandLine is now complete! More info 👉 northernrailway.co.uk/stations/bedli… Bring your Bedlington Terriers tomorrow for an extra surprise 👉 chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-eas…

It’s all about the journey - & today’s journey is to Britain’s newest rail station at Bedlington. #NorthumberlandLine

The excitement is building……. #Bedlington #NorthumberlandLine

Sometimes, my job is just mint - anyone for a Northumberland Line illustration from a local Bedlington artist ? An amazing effort from Allison Wilson & this will proudly be on display at Monday’s opening event. #NorthumberlandLine

Not sure if @northernassist haven’t gone barking mad 🐶 with this special offer for customers from Bedlington on Monday morning - you might feel ruff if you miss it 😂

@PickGS It’ll be different, but plenty to work on until we dust off the station opening plan folder again

@markellis101 Looking forward to being there on Monday. I bet it'll be strange all round not having any more of these to do - at least for the immediate future.

All systems go for Bedlington on Sunday coming #NorthumberlandLine