HUNDREDS of people are backing the reinstatement of a 25-mile rail link which was closed more than 40 years ago, an independent survey has revealed.

Support for reopening Ripon's railway link south to Harrogate and in the opposite direction to Northallerton has been revealed in a survey which will be presented to a steering group early next month.

More than 1,200 responses have been made to the survey so far after about 7,000 forms were made available.

The exact findings have yet to be fully analysed, but Alan Beswick, director of Leeds-based consultants JMB, said: "It has been a very good response and has certainly proved a hot topic. By a quite substantial majority, responses have been in favour of supporting the railway or being very supportive of it."

There have been opposing views and Mr Beswick said people were keen to get their voices heard.

In addition, about 300 people were interviewed face-to-face on market days in Ripon to gauge outsiders' views. Findings also revealed a majority view for the railway's return.

"The issue again proved a very lively topic," said Mr Beswick.

A report is being prepared for a steering group early next month when detailed findings will be discussed. The group involves North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council, Ripon City Council, the Countryside Agency, Ripon City Partnership and other interested parties.

Ripon's railway links were axed by Transport Minister Dr Charles Beeching as part of nationwide network cuts.

The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor David Parnaby, has already welcomed the survey and hopes it will clarify whether the project will be financially viable.

But Coun Parnaby said the issue needed a lot of thought.