History

A direct Manchester - Newcastle link appears on some maps and diagrams of the Post Office network however it was not shown on a 1959 map of planned routes, despite the award of Contract 21874 in September 1959. Two possible routes appear feasible: via part of the 1952 Manchester - Kirk o'Shotts television link or via the new tower at Hunters Stones, bypassing Leeds. There is some evidence from photos that the "bypass" option was used, perhaps because the 1952 route was unsuitable for the additional traffic.

The contract was awarded to STC for a 4 GHz system at a cost of £100,265. GEC did not bid and Marconi's slightly higher offe was unable to meet the required date of 1st February 1961 ("or 5 mths from date of access to all towers"). At this stage the towers at sites used by the 1952 link were all of relatively low height and not designed to carry additional dishes so it's it's likely progress was directly dependent on the completion of new structures.

An STC archive photo of Windy Hill shows a standard Post Office stayed mast alongside the much larger self-supporting tower - it's possible this was a temporary provision for the Newcastle link. Other photos of Windy Hill and Hunters Stones show dishes of two different styles at high level on the towers. It is likely one was used for the 2 GHz "Backbone" link and we may possibly assume the other was for 4 GHz. BT Archives list a photo of STC 4 GHz equipment at Hunters Stones.

A note dated February 1965 states "The present position is the link is in service but awaits minor work (replacement of damaged waveguide) before acceptance tests can be completed" - this suggests there was a significant delay with the towers. The latest price was stated as £111,576 at May 1966.

No further information has been found, unlike other systems it does not appear further channels were added. It's unlikely the route carried television links as in the longer term the distribution network between Manchester and Newcastle ran via Carlisle. Also the main network subsequently included routes Manchester - Leeds and Leeds - Newcastle, therefore it is possible the "direct" path was intended as a short-term measure.