SUPPORTERS are expected to swamp a make or break meeting when a heritage railway decides whether to sell off it’s ‘golden assett’.

Wensleydale Railway PLC, AGM will be discussing the £400,000 sale of Aysgarth Station to a private supporter who wants to develop it as a 'hobby railway'. Half of the money would be used to pay off a mortgage with the rest ploughed into the railway. They say the sale is “critical” to it’s survival. But supporters fear it will mean the end of dreams of further restoring the line through Wensleydale.

Former chair Ruth Annison has called on the board to withdraw from the sale to allow a breathing space for wider discussion. She said:”There is tremendous interest and willingness to help find a better long-term solution than the present proposal. At best, this only provides short term financial gain but threatens 27 years of investment, effort and commitment by thousands of people.”

Directors say it's an opportunity to move the railway forward. The AGM is at Leyburn Methodist hall at 11am on Saturday September 9.