REINSTATING the Malton to Pickering railway line is possible - at a cost of £19 million, a new report has revealed.

The three-month feasibility study has confirmed that much of the original railway route, which was closed in the 1960s, still exists, although all of the track and most of the structures have been removed.

A small number of houses have been built on the former line, but the study has shown potential for diversionary routes to avoid residential properties.

The survey was carried out by consultants Mouchel and paid for by North Yorkshire County Council and Ryedale District Council.

Mike Moore, director of environmental services for the County Council, said: "Everyone involved in the study and the public now has an opportunity to consider the consultants' findings in some detail.

"I am very much aware that while there are many people who would support the reopening of the railway there are others who would be worried about the possible effect on their land and property.

"It is important to appreciate that there would need to be a considerable amount of further work before a final view could be formed on the viability of the project."

The study became all the more urgent after supermarket giant Safeway announced it wished to build a superstore on a site in Pickering on the route of the line. A detailed planning application will be considered by Ryedale District Council later in the year.

The report will be available for inspection from Friday, July 28. Copies will be available for inspection at the County Council's highways office on Vivis Lane, Pickering and Ryedale House, the District Council offices in Pickering.