CARGO could soon be passing through a North Yorkshire fishing port, which lost its links with the trade last year.

Scarborough Borough Council has agreed the try out a new operating arrangement for Whitby - and there are hopes that a deal with a new customer will be signed within weeks, restoring business for the first time since last September.

The authority's harbours chief, Councillor Michael Pitts, said: "I am delighted we now have the prospect of seeing the port handling cargo again. The new arrangement we are entering into with Whitby Port Services will, hopefully, mark the end of a depressing period, and the start of an exciting new era."

The deal will see Scarborough Borough Council marketing and running the port, with Whitby Port Services providing stevedoring services, storage and transport.

An additional partnership with a fleet owner is under discussion, but if an agreement is reached, it would mean Whitby would be given "favoured port" status, with most of the company's cargo passing through the town.

"I am extremely optimistic that these arrangements will breathe new life into the port by securing the employment of those working there, and giving a much-needed boost to the local economy," said Coun Pitts.