THE future of an historic bridge in Ryedale is hanging in the balance.

The British Railway Board wants to knock down the Hurrell Lane rail bridge in Thornton-le-Dale - originally part of the Pickering to Seamer route, which was closed in 1950.

The plan was submitted to the North York Moors National Park, on whose land the bridge stands.

The park's planners said the bridge had little visual or historic merit and that demolishing it would have little adverse effect on the landscape.

But the application has now been deferred, pending an investigation into whether planning permission is needed for demolition work to go ahead.

Ryedale District councillor David Jeffels, who attended the planning meeting of the North York Moors when the decision to defer the application was taken, said: "I feel sad that this bridge, which is the last one still standing on the old Scarborough to Helmsley line, could soon be knocked down. In many respects, it's a piece of history and it would be nice to have to maintained, but that would cost a lot of money and it is in poor condition at present."

Thornton le Dale Parish Council wants the bridge - built in 1882 - to be preserved for future generations.

Speaking in The Press last week, chairman Geoff Acomb said: "The bridge is industrial archaeology.

"It is not in a position where it is falling down, but it does need some work doing to it."

Rail enthusiast and parish councillor Charles Hill said: "I would not be happy to see it knocked down.

"The bridge is an ancient structure and it does remind us of the past and our rail heritage."

The bridge is no longer in use, but there is a narrow road which runs underneath it.

John Clarke, director of structures at the British Railway Board, said: "There is no chance that we are going to restore it as it has no future use with the railway gone.

"We are a Government body and you ask the average taxpayer whether he wants the money spending on the bridge or hip operations and there is only one winner."

The demolition plan will go back before the North York Moors National Park's planning committee on May 24.