DESPITE long-running talk of re-opening the Guisborough branch railway line, an economic survey by East Cleveland transport experts has cast doubt on the idea.

The economic justification for relaying the Guisborough line is not strong, it was said this week.

However, train services could still be enhanced on existing lines between Redcar and Saltburn - and beyond to Loftus. Bus and Dial-a-Ride minibus services might also be enhanced.

The news coincides with the launch of an East Cleveland Public Transport Forum, which could be replicated in the Stockton and Middlesbrough boroughs, if successful.

People are invited to Redcar Library on Monday, at 7pm. The forum is hosted by Redcar and Cleveland Council's joint public transport group.

Public transport planner Tony Gordon said real progress could be made and feedback was vital.

He said Redcar and Cleveland transport officers had combined different information and rail industry data to forecast possible use for a new Guisborough line, If built, it would connect to Nunthorpe, Marton and Middlesbrough.

But the survey was not optimistic, he told the D&S Times: "The results of the survey into the Guisborough branch line did not come out very favourably, in terms of an economic justification.

"The idea will be considered again in the future, if conditions move round, making a line more profitable and more likely to be used. It's not looking terribly promising, but it's something we are keeping our eyes on.

"Rail use will depend on things like traffic conditions and legislation. These are things that make road travel much less attractive in order to make rail travel more attractive."

He was unsure whether the public would be surprised at the pessimistic conclusion.

One limitation of a new Guisborough line would be the restricted number of rail destinations and connections available to passengers. Not all commuters travelled to central Middlesbrough or Stockton., which were served by rail stations. Many drove elsewhere, he said.

Nonetheless, he was hopeful that other aspects of Cleveland's public transport network could be improved, such as passenger information, timetables and connections between buses and trains.

Monday's meeting will provide an opportunity for passengers and motorists to air their views, discuss ideas and comment on Redcar and Cleveland Council's transport proposals for improving local infrastructure and services.

The Cleveland area lacks an equivalent to the passenger transport authorities of larger conurbations, like Tyne-and-Wear. However, there are hopes that similar forums might be extended to the Stockton and Middlesbrough areas, if the East Cleveland one is successful.

For details about Monday's forum meeting, call 01287 612529.