WE have looked back at memories of the Wetheral station re-opening.

Civic leaders, well-wishers, employees and enthusiasts turned out in their hundreds to clap and cheer when Wetheral Station was re-opened in October 1981.

The Newcastle and Carlisle Railway was formed in 1829, and was opened in stages. The station was opened in July 1836, following the opening of the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway between Greenhead and Carlisle London Road.

Corby Bridge (also known as Wetheral Viaduct) which is situated to the east of the station, over which trains pass when travelling towards Newcastle. Construction of the bridge began in 1830, and was completed in 1834. It also carries a cast iron footbridge that links the station with the nearby village of Great Corby, which was added in 1851.

The station was originally staffed, and the old stationmaster's house still stands as a private residence. Following the Beeching Axe, the station was closed in January 1967, along with the neighbouring station at Heads Nook.

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Wetheral was formally re-opened by British Rail on 5 October 1981. The reopening followed the construction of new housing estate and lobbying by the local parish council.

Although the original platforms were still in situ, the station building had to be made safe and refurbished for passengers. The works were funded by Cumbria County Council which also sponsored a scheme by Manpower Services Commission to complete.

As of the December 2021 timetable change, there is an hourly service between Newcastle and Carlisle via Hexham, with additional trains at peak times.