A transport official has poured cold water on hopes that the Harrogate – Ripon – Northallerton train line will reopen any time soon.
Reopening Ripon to Harrogate train line could cost 'hundreds of millions' A transport official has poured cold water on hopes that the Harrogate – Ripon – Northallerton train line will reopen any time soon, saying to do so could cost the taxpayer hundreds of millions of pounds. Harrogate’s link with Ripon was axed by Dr Beeching during his infamous 1960s rail reforms and the last train ran in 1967. Since then, much of the track was ripped up to make way for the Ripon bypass and former station buildings have been converted into homes. But there has been a long-running bid to see it reinstated, led by Dr Adrian Morgan, who founded the Ripon Railway Reinstatement Association in 1987. The campaign was discussed by Graham North, strategy and performance rail officer at the new York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, when he gave a wide-ranging presentation to Skipton and Ripon councillors on Thursday. However, Mr North claimed there was not the same level of public support for reopening the route when compared to similar campaigns such as at Skipton to Colne. Mr North said:
“These schemes cost hundreds and hundreds of millions of pounds and we have to prioritise which ones come forward. "We didn’t get the same level of support for Harrogate to Ripon when compared to other schemes. "It’s been one individual all the time who’s been writing. There has to be a more coordinated campaign.”The closure of Ripon Station left the city without rail connections and was strongly opposed at the time. Cllr Barbara Brodigan (Liberal Democrat, Ripon Ure Bank & Spa) said she wanted to see the line reopened as she believes Ripon is underperforming primarily because of poor connectivity. Although she “doesn’t hold out any hope” for the line reopening in her lifetime. Cllr Brodigan said:
“It will get worse with the barracks development increasing the population by 25%. All development is on the west side of the city. It’s a logjam that will get worse. "Opening up the Harrogate to Ripon line would be a huge move forward and contribute to our economic development. Funding is an issue but the longer we leave it, the more expensive it becomes.”Cllr David Noland (Green Party, Skipton North & Embsay-with-Eastby) struck a more optimistic tone and added:
“If we can put a tunnel under Stonehenge and a man on the moon why can’t we link Harrogate to Ripon?”By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Finalists revealed for Knaresborough business awards
Harrogate woman to walk 200km in memory of dad lost to brain tumour
Study names Harrogate among fastest-growing locations in UK for Land Rovers
Big Harrogate Sleepout returns for third year to support local charities
Harrogate tech firm shortlisted for six national Tech Awards
Harrogate MP calls for new powers to close 'cowboy' vape vendors
Harrogate law firm donates vital cancer equipment in memory of colleague
Local Hero Awards 2026: Meet the finalists
Police appeal after man makes 'sexual gestures' in Ripon
Yorkshire voters would reject MPs who back 'holiday tax', major poll shows
Harrogate charity Horticap hits the road in new electric vehicle
Harrogate IT provider wins prestigious King's Award for Enterprise
Funding secured for new men's mental health programme in Harrogate district
Knaresborough Castle repairs finally set to get underway
Opening date delayed for new-look Furlong and Furrow
Boutique women's fashion brand opens new Harrogate store
Football stars visit Harrogate school to inspire next generation
New café opens on Cold Bath Road
Harrogate student to run length of Britain after losing father to brain cancer
Knaresborough Town Women win West Riding League Cup
