I was surprised and dismayed by the, at best lukewarm response of Philip Benham, general manager of NYMR, to the suggestion of the reinstatement of this link.

I am a long-term supporter of NYMR and admire its achievement.

Currently to reach Whitby from Leeds by public transport takes a two-bus journey from my home, taking approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.

I investigated once some years ago the winter train service via Middlesbrough and York which meant to make a return journey from Leeds to Whitby in the same day by train, gave me 15 minutes in Whitby.

The reported suggestion by Mr Benham that a through line via Pickering would jeopardise a £30m input into the local economy is strange.

I for one would visit much more regularly if I could travel by train to Pickering and beyond via Malton which would be far more convenient, environmentally friendly and comfortable.

Why the NYMR would have to charge more is inaccurate, it would I am sure pay for itself in both increase in fares (ie more tickets) and possible transit charges for other carriers or other carriers running to Pickering from Malton, over network maintained trace from Malton-Pickering.

This would also have the possibility of reducing traffic in the area, such as the notorious parking problem in Whitby etc.

Thomas Paine, St Margaret’s Grove, Leeds