Disused rail line to play key role in estate regeneration

A DISUSED railway line which cuts through a seaside town estate is now playing a key role in the regeneration of the area.

The former Scarborough to Whitby line, known as the Cinder Track, was once blamed for much of the crime on Scarborough’s Barrowcliff Estate.

Screened by high banks and vegetation, the former track provided a hideout for gangs of bullies and a ready-made escape route for burglars.

Now the Cinder Track Improvement Project has a team of environmental workers to carry out improvements to the track over 21 miles.

The work will include improved access, signs and information, seating, fencing and drainage and surface repair. It goes hand in hand with the Barrowcliff Blueprint, an initiative to draw up a master plan for the improvement of the estate.

It includes streets and open spaces, play areas and facilities for young people, skills and employment, estate management and land use.

Views of local residents are being sought on problems and issues and what ideas people have for improving the environment and neighbourhood .

Residents are invited to consultations about both projects, by Groundwork North Yorkshire, on Saturday at the Gallows Close Centre, Endcliff Crescent, between 10am and 3pm.

The team will be on hand on Saturday to find out what improvements people would like to see in the Barrowcliff section of the track.

The treasurer of the Barrowcliff Residents and Tenants Association, Ian Ockenden, said: “I’m pleased that at last all agencies are working together to fulfil the wishes of the residents.”