PLANS for local communities to take over some under-used branch line railways have received strong support, says the Strategic Rail Authority.

As part of a consultation exercise it has identified 60 routes across the country that could be managed locally by interested groups.

It said strong support for its plans had been received from a number of bodies, including councils, business groups, and rail campaign groups.

A number of pilot schemes have been proposed, including the Esk Valley Line from Guisborough Junction to Whitby, where stations and infrastructure could be adopted and managed by volunteers.

There the Esk Valley Development Company, consisting of North Yorkshire County Council, the Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit and several local councils, is hoping to prepare a properly costed plan for the eventual running of the railway.

It is hoping to copy continental examples where railways have been sold to local consortiums who have managed to increase passenger numbers.

The authority's chairman, Richard Bowker, said its community rail strategy, due to be published in the autumn, would ensure the continued growth of branch lines, reduce the call on public funds and secure greater community involvement.

Fran Critchley, deputy secretary of the North-East Railway Passengers Committee, said: "We are not against some rural lines being managed locally, we just want to make sure they continue to receive the level of investment they require."