Wide Wednesday: Street Photo

Bobsblips has suggested "Street Photo" for this week's Widwed challenge. So I went round by this footbridge on my way for the morning paper: the bridge crosses the main railway line north from Newcastle to Scotland.

You may wonder why the street comes to a sudden stop here, looking as if it should continue straight across the railway. That's because it used to do so: many years ago there was a level crossing here, but in 1965 traffic was diverted across a new flyover road bridge over the railway about 200 yards to the right of here, and the level crossing was replaced by the footbridge; this street therefore became a cul-de-sac. I can just remember the level crossing - I'm showing my age now.

Apparently there used to be a station just to the left of the level crossing, which opened in February 1856 (9 years after the railway was built) and closed on 15 September 1956. It's a shame that it isn't still open, as if we want to take a train north we have to travel 4 miles into central Newcastle to catch the train which then passes through here just half a mile from where we live! I shouldn't complain though, as the Metro service to the town centre is usually very good.

The garden on the left is interesting, as the owner has clearly has a liking for old phone boxes & post boxes, not to mention streetlights! (I rather like it.)

Thanks as always to Bob for keeping the Widwed challenge going.