CRAG success as Network Rail confirms Chathill waiting room refurbishment for summer 2026

The waiting room at Chathill Station has been closed for a number of years due to damage to the roof caused by Storm Arwen.

Thanks to a push from Chathill Rail Users Group (CRAG), who have been fighting to boost rail services at the station, and Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson – Network Rail have now confirmed they have plans to refurbish the waiting room next summer.

This comes after the Railway Heritage Trust offered a grant of £80,000 to Network Rail to contribute to the work.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson said: “This is fantastic news for the station which currently doesn't have a waiting room. It's one more step in our fight to get more trains to stop there which would benefit the whole North Northumberland Coastline.”

CRAG chair, John Holwell added: “There is no other covered waiting facility on the platform so we’ve been asking for temporary shelter but ideally we wanted the waiting room back properly. We really look forward to that happening and the sooner the better.”

John hopes that the development will help push their main objective of increasing connectivity along the North Northumberland coast.

He added: “There is potential because the building has the main waiting room which is fundamental, and two others which we think could be converted into a toilet for passengers and the other one in the longer term could be a tourist centre.

"Departure screens are going to be put on the station soon so that is another positive development which we are very grateful to Network Rail and Northern Railway for.”

Meanwhile, plans for new public information displays and speakers at the station have been approved.

Sella Controls has submitted a planning application to Northumberland County Council for two post-mounted displays on platform one and another on platform 2.

Its application on behalf of Northern states: “As part of the Northern Trains CIS Replacement Programme, Chathill station is due to have upgrades, and will need provided with new station information assets around the station.

"The reason for this proposal is to enhance the customer experience whilst using the station and to increase reliability.

"Existing cable routes will be utilised where possible to reduce visual impact of the installations.”