RURAL rail services could be in line for improvements following reports by the Countryside Agency and North Yorkshire County Council.

A scrutiny committee at county hall has set up a research group drawn from the council, the Strategic Rail Authority, GNER and Wensleydale Railway Company representatives, to study rail services in the county.

A report by Mike Moore, the county council's director of environmental services, said the group will look at several development possibilities, including re-opening lines, providing a road bridge in Northallerton and increasing services in the Dales.

He said: "The county council has no direct responsibility for rail services, but it is responsible for delivering the targets in the five-year Local Transport Plan."

The report said that consultants will be appointed next month to investigate the possible re-opening of the Harrogate-Ripon-Northallerton line. However, the news that a railway line could soon be running through the village of Littlethorpe, near Ripon, has caused concern.

Local people, many of whom live near to the disused railway line, fear the peace and tranquillity of the village could be threatened.

Chairman of Littlethorpe Parish Council, Iris Alderson, has tabled the matter for discussion at the next meeting, on Wednesday, May 21.

Councillor Ian Galloway, who represents Littlethorpe on Harrogate Borough Council, said: "This is creating uncertainty because the specific route is not known."

A feasibility study will be undertaken, with the Countryside Agency having pledged £20,000 towards costs and the county council and Ripon City Partnership each giving £10,000.