THE Yorkshire Dales national Park authority is set to throw its weight behind proposals to reinstate the Wensleydale railway line.

A meeting of the full authority at Hawes on Tuesday is recommended to declare its support for the Wensleydale railway company's plans to resurrect the line, in stages, between Northallerton and Garsdale.

A report by Mr Philip Brown, policy and liaison officer, recommends the move providing the authority is invited to work with the company to avoid conflicts of interest. The park authority would also reserve its position on planning issues to be addressed by the local plan.

The 40-mile rail line was completed in 1878 but passenger services ceased in 1955.

Initial plans are to upgrade the track and provide services between Leeming Bar and Leyburn.

Mr Brown's report highlights concerns that the line would become a visitor attraction and put extra pressure on sensitive sites in the dale. However, communities saw the project as bringing economic benefits to the area and the support of the park authority is seen as critical to its success.

l Rail shares purchased: page 10.