Sir, – With the closure of the bridge and road at Morton on Swale, may I suggest an alternative to the inevitably long diversion which those commuting between Bedale and Northallerton now face.

My idea is the temporary reopening of the railway line for passengers between Northallerton and Bedale. I am aware there is no platform at the Northallerton end but a temporary one could easily be built either at the station or in the Castle Hills area.

Then the Wensleydale Railway, perhaps in conjunction with the Dales and District bus company, could run a train each way once an hour, or perhaps more, with a shuttle service between the town centres and industrial estates to the station.

This would have many benefits.

Those who would otherwise have to drive the long way round could save on petrol and diesel costs. It would reduce carbon emissions.

It would be good news for the Wensleydale Railway which would love to see this rail link become permanent. It could see how popular it was and use it as a bargaining chip, and finally it will stop the problem of rat running, which has recently been a huge problem due to the closure of various main roads. This, ultimately, would save the council money as it will not need to repair minor country lanes as it did in Bullamoor after the closure of the road between Northallerton and the A19 in the autumn.

CATHERINE BAKER Thornton-le-Beans, Northallerton.