A CAMPAIGN to restore the rail link between Whitby, Malton and York, has been vetoed by Whitby Tourism Association.

Its chairman, Harry Collett, said the ambitious project, put forward by rail enthusiast Neil Kipling and backed by a 700-signature internet petition, was “a non-starter” because of the cost.

A group set up in Whitby to pursue the idea plans to petition the Government in the hope of securing funding for the scheme.

Mr Kipling said re-opening the link would benefit the economies of Malton and Whitby and give residents direct access to main line rail services from York.