To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to fund, upgrade and expand the metro service into Easington constituency.

The Department is actively discussing the most appropriate method of funding this vital work with Nexus and the Treasury. Assessing the economic case for extending the Metro system is a matter for Nexus and the Tyne and Wear local authorities to consider.

The Government announced on 28th July that Durham County Council will receive over £4.4m of Department for Transport funding towards a new station worth £10.55m in the Hon. Member’s constituency of Easington. The new station which is expected to be completed by 2020 will improve access to the rail network, including opportunities for interchange with the Metro at Sunderland, and create new leisure, training, employment and business opportunities as well as supporting new housing developments.