A RAILWAY link between Malton and Pickering could generate up to £1 million in income from 100,000 journeys a year, a study has revealed.

The survey, which was carried out by North Yorkshire County Council with funding from the Countryside Agency, gives renewed hope to rail campaigners hoping for the line's reopening.

But some residents living next to the disused line have expressed concerns over future proposals.

The line was closed in the 1960s under the Beeching cuts.

Coun John Fort, county council executive member responsible for transport, said the study was an important step in the line's reopening.

"Last year we looked at the technical feasibility of the route and the conclusion was there were no physical reasons why it could not be reinstated at a cost of £19 million," he said.

The study considered two basic options, either between York and Pickering, or continuing to Whitby. The figure of up to 100,000 journeys was that generated by the option of going to Whitby, while it was thought the Pickering option would generate 65,000 trips.

"The option for linking to Whitby would be far more ambitious, requiring careful integration with existing services provided by the North York Moors Railway," said Coun Fort.

But Pickering resident Colin Davies, who lives right next to the disused line, said he was very concerned about possible future development.

"The old line runs right past my back door and I would not like trains rattling past every hour," he said.

"The old line crosses the main A169 road so they would have to install a crossing there, which would make traffic problems even greater than they are now.

"My hope is that if they do go ahead with the project they build the line away from any houses.

"If there is a public consultation I will be making strong objections to reopening the existing line."

Pickering Town Councillor Natalie Warriner said the study was just the first step in a long process.

"We could see two changes in Government before anything happens so we don't know whether it will. It is vital that any rail link will not damage the town. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is the main tourist attraction in the town and we don't want to lose visitors if the rail link is connected with that line."

Coun Fort added: "It will be important to obtain the views of the Strategic Rail Authority as they are the body who determine investment priorities."

Updated: 11:53 Wednesday, February 27, 2002