HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition calling for Silloth's railway station to be reopened.

The seaside town's popular train station shut in 1964 following the Government-led Beeching Report, which forced the closure of more than 2,000 stations across the country as part of a cost-cutting measure.

Since then the Carlisle to Silloth line has been remembered fondly by people who used to travel on it.

The latest call for it to be reopened is being led by railway enthusiast Henry Allum, who has launched the petition on the website www.change.org.

Earlier this week more than 400 people had backed the petition.

In setting up the petition, Mr Allum, 27, wrote: "The town, with a population of 2,900 people, and a destination for many tourists as well as numerous caravan parks within the town, would benefit from a railway running from Carlisle, opening up numerous travel opportunities.

"A railcar could run hourly from Carlisle connecting with trains on the West Coast Main Line for the use of commuters and tourists alike, reducing traffic on the local roads and in Silloth town centre."

Mr Allum, who lives in Buckinghamshire but travels around the country visiting old railways, spoke about the campaign.

He said: "I just thought I'd start this petition and see what happens.

"This is to get the ball rolling and see if someone can look into it and see if it can happen.

"Some old stations in Wales and Scotland have already reopened but not many in England."

The enthusiast says he has been inspired by the success of the Borders Railway, formerly the Waverley Route, which was reopened by campaigners last year.

This line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank, in the Scottish Borders, is now up and running.

But there are calls for the route to be extended to its original end destination in Carlisle.

"It's really to see how people react. There has already been some really positive feedback but others are saying it will not happen," he said.

Silloth's mayor Tony Markley said while the return of the railway station would benefit the town, he questioned whether the idea is realistic.

He said: "It's not as easy as putting together a petition.

"It would be a positive way forward if it could be achieved but a lot of the line was privately bought by local farmers and is being used and certain bridges are down.

"All in all, would it be a feasible proposition?

"But if it could be achieved it would be fantastic; never say never, however, this one could be a long way away.

"Silloth is doing exceptionally well at the moment and this would enhance the town - but would it be sustainable?"

The petition has got residents debating the idea online.

Mary Louise Hagan wrote: "Really hope this goes forward, be great for the area.

"Bring more people and tourists into the town, also great for local economy. Brilliant idea."

Graeme Messenger added: "Good idea if the prices were right and the frequency good."

Anita Storey commented: "We went there when we were little, it was nice to get on a train."