PROPOSALS to reinstate a railway line which closed in 1965 would cost millions, acc-ording to a report.

A feasibility study carried out by consultants Mouchel has put a price of £19m on recreating the Malton to Pickering line.

The line could provide a link to the rail network for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which has been involved in talks over the possible reopening.

The three-month study confirmed that much of the original route of the railway still existed, but almost all of the track and infrastructure had been removed.

Houses have been built along the route, although the consultants identified possible diversions.

Mike Moore, director of environmental services for North Yorkshire County Council, which commissioned the study along with Ryedale District Council, said the report was the first step towards possible reinstatement of the line.

He said: "I am very much aware that while there are many people who would support the reopening of the railway there are others who would be worried about the possible effect on their land and property.

"It is important to appreciate that there would need to be a considerable amount of further work done before a final view could be formed on the viability of the project."

Copies of the report will be made available for the public from next Friday, at the county council's Pickering office and the district council's Malton headquarters.

Supermarket firm Safeway has submitted a planning application to build a store on part of the former railway's route in Pickering.

The plan will be considered by the district council later in the year.