RAIL enthusiasts have slammed a decision to axe the famous steam trains that which have run from York through Ryedale and Malton, to Scarborough each summer because Network Rail fears line-sides could be set alight.

The move follows a fire, says David Smith, chairman and managing director of West Coast Railways which has run the steam operation to the seaside for nearly 20 years said: in summer months “While we acknowledge that fire risk is particular to steam operations, we consider that we have made satisfactory arrangements so that the risk is as low as reasonably possible."

Mr Smith said a fire in July was caused by “Hogwarts Castle” the train which starred in all the Harry Potter films. He said: “The ban on its use deprived many fans and well-wishers of its final run before being put on show at Leavesden Studios."

But the decision to only run diesel locomotives on the holiday route instead of steam trains had also hit hundreds of rail buffs who travel to the coast through Ryedale, and many photographers and rail enthusiasts who perch on rail bridges to get spectacular shots of the steam trains.

Among them over the years has been such legendary locomotions as The Duchess of Hamilton, Sir Nigel Gresley, Union of South Africa, Flying Scotsman and The Waverley.

Mr Smith said: “We gave assurances to Phil Verster, the route’s managing director, the assurances that we are obliged to do by law, but despite the recent heavy rainfalls, he is insisting on more and more detailed paperwork. “Unsurprisingly passenger numbers this summer season have dropped through the floor which is not only a great disappointment to us, but has also hit visitor numbers to York, Ryedale and Scarborough. The ban is harsh and unreasonable.

"Steam is an attraction and has had a huge knock-on effect on passengers both to the seaside and Harry Potter fans. We have seen a drop of 1,000 passengers in the last three weeks alone.”

A spokesman for Network Rail said in a statement: “West Coast Railways has been suspended from running steam charters on the London and North East and East Midlands route which covers Yorkshire, since July 12. That was due to a line-side fire caused by one of their services."