It was closed in 1968 but a feasibility study carried out in June suggested the line would play an important part in the local economy.

However, it was deemed too expensive to run with costs predicted as being upwards of �100m.

Jim Froggatt, vice chair of Transport 2000 said: "If our figures are right it should become definitely feasible in a few years time.

"We think it would be profitable in 10 or 15 years time."