WITH neat synchronicity, the feasibility of a Malton to Pickering railway is confirmed on the day that the Government was announcing its multi-billion pound transport plan.

The expansion of Ryedale's rail network is exactly the sort of scheme that deserves support from John Prescott and his team. Consultants confirmed today that the train could provide a viable alternative to the car in an area poorly served by public transport. That must be good news for the traveller, for environmentalists and for the rural economy.

The Malton-Pickering line was axed in the mid-1960s, the era of Dr Beeching's infamous decimation of Britain's rural rail network. Back then, rapidly expanding car ownership was drawing people from the railways to the roads. Now the roads are full and people are looking to get back on the rails.

The reopened line would not merely benefit those who wanted to travel between Malton and Pickering. Connections would allow Pickering residents to commute by rail to and from York. They would regain the chance to travel east to Scarborough or west to Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool via the Transpennine service from Malton.

If the new line took in Kirby Misperton, it would enjoy trade from those travelling to the Flamingo Land attraction.

Better rail services would also assist the North York Moors National Park's ambition to reduce traffic in its conservation area. An integrated transport plan, involving the steam railway and bus and coach firms, would eliminate the need for visitors to come by car. It could also allow more rail passengers to travel to Whitby. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has already run selected services to the historic resort.

All these benefits should provide inspiration to those charged with overcoming the obstacles in the way of reopening the line. Chief among these is the cost. But, in transport terms, £19 million is affordable - particularly when placed in the context of the £100 billion-plus Mr Prescott is planning to spend. Work should begin today on returning the railway to rural Ryedale.