THE railway line between Ripon and Harrogate could be reopened by 2011, transport consultants have concluded.

A study by JMP Consultants reveal there is a "positive economic case" for reopening the line - at a cost of about £40 million.

The report, funded by the Countryside Agency, North Yorkshire County Council, Ripon City Partnership and Yorkshire Forward, showed that there was strong support from residents, visitors and businesses for the reopening of the railway.

It estimated that at least 1,200 passengers would use the line every day if an hourly service was run on the revitalised line.

Harrogate, Leeds and Ripon would all benefit economically, with Leeds drawing more of its workforce from rural areas, if passengers had a new rail service, the study concluded.

It was carried out after the line was highlighted 12 months ago in the Countryside Agency's report Rail Reopenings In Yorkshire And The Humber.

The only stumbling block appears to be the scheme's high cost, with such projects not currently a priority for the Government's rail agency, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA).

David Fanaroff, senior adviser at the Countryside Agency, said: "This study has given a positive indication that a sufficient number of people would use a rail line between Harrogate and Ripon to warrant its consideration as an important addition to the Yorkshire and Humber Rail network. However, much more work needs to be done over a number of years if this is to become a reality."

Fiona Sullivan, Ripon city programme manager, said: "The results of this study represent an important step forward for the city's transport plans and reinforces Ripon's position, not only as a leading market town serving its rural hinterland, but also strategically, as part of the evolving Leeds city region."

Councillor John Fort, North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for environmental services, said: "The completion of this study fulfils another commitment in the county council's local transport plan, to examine how the long-term transport requirements for residents of Ripon and the surrounding area may be met by the provision of a rail service for the city."

Also under consideration for reopening is a rail track which would link York with Pocklington and Beverley.

Updated: 10:39 Tuesday, May 11, 2004