RESIDENTS living next to a disused rail route are protesting about moves to reopen it.
Fears are growing that plans to reinstate the line, which ran between Harrogate and Ripon, via Nidd Bridge, Wormald Green and Littlethorpe, could create planning difficulties for years.
Protests began when a detailed study revealed public support for reinstatement of the line, which was axed 40 years ago.
It is estimated the the proposal could cost about £40m and, according to a survey, could initially attract 1,200 passengers a day.
Councillor Ian Galloway said he feared uncertainty over the route could create a planning blight for 20 years.
He said: "In addition to homes being built on the old line, some of the stations have been converted into homes.''
But campaigners for restoration of the line have welcomed the recent consultation backing the scheme, saying it would be far cheaper to reopen a railway than provide major roads.
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