TALKS to decide on the possible development of a rail link between Malton and Pickering may be opened up to the public.

Officers from North Yorkshire County Council have offered to talk to members of Ryedale District Council about any proposed development of the link.

The county council met with the Strategic Rail Authority, the Government agency which decides investment strategy for new rail development, behind closed doors earlier this week.

But calls were made at the district council's community services and licensing committee meeting last night to open up any future discussions between the county and district councils to a wider audience.

Ryedale councillor Lin Cowling said she would like to see town councillors and members of Pickering in Business invited to join in the discussions.

Studies conducted so far forecast that an estimated 100,000 passengers would use the line each year should the link be extended right through from York to Whitby.

It was suggested that up to 65,000 passengers could be using the railway if the line ran only from Pickering to Whitby.

John Davison, assistant chief executive with the district council, said the idea of an open meeting would be put to county council officers.

Updated: 11:09 Friday, April 12, 2002