Whitby's pride

After a long hard winter and just before the start of the summer holiday season, one of the jewels of Yorkshire's coastline has been effectively crippled through the blockage of such a vital transport artery.

It will take more than the dilatory response of Scarborough Council, however, to quell Whitby's enterprising instincts.

With the town's boat-owners cashing in by running ferry services across the River Esk, and taxis enjoying a bonanza, it seems that the trading spirit which helped to build this proud port refuses to be stifled.