Former railway path upgrades inspired by history

The project could include turning some of the track's junctions and gateways into rest areas

A coastal path could have rest areas created on the sites of old railway features as part of a £2.9m upgrade inspired by its heritage.

The Cinder Track was the main line between Scarborough and Whitby before its closure in 1965, and it is now a popular walking and cycling route between the towns.

North Yorkshire Council has proposed to improve safety on the Scalby to Scarborough section by turning junctions and gateways into rest stops.

These areas would be based on the stations, platforms and destinations that once formed part of the railway.

'Vital asset'

Councillor Keane Duncan urged people to take part in a public consultation on the work, which runs until September 9.

The funding for the improvements has come from a £20m government grant awarded to Scarborough as part of the Towns Deal.

The Cinder Track is well-used by both local residents and visitors to the coast.

Work to widen the route between Burniston and Cloughton and lay a new surface has already begun

Councillor Duncan said: "Thanks to this Towns Deal funding, we can improve the gateways between Scalby and Scarborough and make them even more inviting to residents and visitors and showcase the historic nature of the Cinder Track."

The railway was built in 1885 but was a casualty of the Beeching cuts. In its heyday, there was a station at Robin Hood's Bay, but the line was difficult to operate due to its steep gradients and vulnerability to adverse weather conditions. Passenger numbers were low when the closure announcement was made.

The Cinder Track is now part of the European North Sea Cycle Route.