Taken from Stagecoach North East’s service updates page
From Wednesday 16 September 2026 for an initial period of one month, it is with deep regret Stagecoach North East advise due to numerous acts of vandalism and antisocial behaviour in the Blakelaw area, bus services will be required to divert from this area, from 1830 until the end of service.
This will affect journeys on service X47 to/from NGP.
Journeys after 1830 will operate from Ponteland Road via Springfield Road, Stamfordham Road, A1 Junctions 76-77 (Westerhope-Kenton Bar) before rejoining their normal routes at Kenton Bar Roundabout. Services travelling towards Newcastle will follow the same diversion route in reverse.
The diversion will remain under regular review and may be amended should circumstances change. However, any decision to restore services to their normal route will be based on a demonstrable and sustained improvement in safety within the area.
Stagecoach would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this decision and would like to sincerely thank customers for their patience and understanding.