Wensleydale reopening campaign

Growing support for the return of regular rail passenger services to Wensleydale has led to an upsurge in membership of the Wensleydale Railway Association.

Making WRA history as member 2000 is Mrs Jane Moore, of Cocked Hat Farm, Newton-le-Willows, near Bedale, who has taken out a £12 annual household membership. "I’m delighted to be identified as the 2000th member," she said.

The WRA plans to reintroduce passenger services between Leeming Bar and Leyburn by next summer once negotiations are completed with Railtrack for the lease of the 22-mile section from the East Coast Main Line at Northallerton to Redmire. Future aims envisage gradually reopening the line all the way to Garsdale, where the Wensleydale branch joins the Settle-Carlisle route.

"Now we are aiming for 3,000 members as quickly as we can," said membership secretary Sarah Maude. "Every new member contributes valuable revenue to our all-important object of bringing rail back to the dale."

Membership forms can be obtained from WRA membership administration, P0 Box 65, Northallerton DL7 SYZ. Single membership costs £9.