CAMPAIGNERS working for the return of a lost rail link between York and Beverley have founded an action group in York.

Campaign chairman George McManus said about ten people had signed up to the fledgling York branch at the Railway Institute, in Queen Street, on Saturday.

He said: “This new branch will now provide a structure for local lobbying of local decision makers and local residents.

“The group is looking to set up public meetings in the near future and lobby local stake- holders such as City of York Council, the church and business.”

The group was originally set up with the aim of protecting the line from further development and to secure a feasibility study. The study was carried out in 2006 following funding from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council and Countryside Agency. It found that the cost of the proposal would be in the region of £200 million and that there was a positive benefit-to-cost ratio.

Mr Mcmanus, 56, from Pocklington, and a former mayor of the town, said bringing back the branch line would provide a much-needed form of local alternative transport.

He said: “I love living in this part of the country and I have seen enormous development already.

“I have seen deaths on the roads and I think that in planning for the future we need to widen people’s travel options so you are not taking your life in your hands when you are walking to school.”

If you would like more information on the campaign, email geormcman@aol.co.uk