A REPORT proposing an upgrade to the railway line between Leeming Bar and Northallerton West will go before Hambleton District Council Cabinet next week.

The improvement would provide a passenger service between the temporary platform at Northallerton West and Leeming Bar.

The proposal seeks to use the provision of a grant of up to £40,000. The Wensleydale Railway is an authentic heritage railway serving the local community, tourists, families and transport enthusiasts.

The line reopened to passenger traffic from Leeming Bar to Leyburn in 2003, and the following year the section to Redmire was also opened. The line now serves Leeming Bar, Bedale, Finghall Lane, Leyburn and Redmire, a distance of 16 miles.

The new station at Northallerton West, which will provide a first, temporary, presence in the County Town, and Scruton, will also open as the first intermediate stop on this section. Passenger services will then run for 22 miles.