Rail bosses have scrapped plans to completely shut a major city centre station during the festive period after widespread uproar.
Northern Rail sparked anger when it announced Sunderland railway station would be closed until New Year’s Eve because of rail strikes, with council leaders, MPs and the public united in anger at the decision.
But after days of mounting pressure, Northern has announced the station will largely remain open for Christmas commuters - though some restrictions will remain.
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The station will close at 2.30pm on December 20 and 21, and all day on December 24 and 25. It will remain open on December 22 and 23, and from December 26 through to New Year’s Eve.
“Despite industrial action impacting staffing numbers, Sunderland station will remain open for a majority of the Christmas period and up to New Year’s Eve,” said Northern’s regional director Kerry Peters.
"Unfortunately, the station will operate reduced hours Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition, it will be closed Christmas Eve because of staffing shortages and the network shutting down early as Network Rail takes possession of routes ahead of engineering works and the RMT strikes. We’re sorry for the disruption this will cause for some of our customers.
“Sunderland is Northern’s only underground station and legislation requires at least two people who are suitably trained in case of the need for evacuation.”
Passengers who need to travel to Sunderland from Newcastle should use the Metro, and leave at St Peter's or Park Lane.
"Anyone travelling north on the Durham coast will need to go to Heworth and change for the Metro to/from St Peter's or Park Lane,” Kerry added.
Updates and full details of Northern’s strike plans can be found via their website.
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