York station plans better access

Thousands of train users at York station could see their travelling times cut, if a £500,000 improvement scheme is approved by councillors.

GNER, Network Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority, want to create a west side access to the station - by extending the passenger footbridge.

This could save 10 minutes for nearby residents and National Railway Museum (NRM) visitors.

If approved, it is hoped work will be completed in time for RailFest in May.

Vast improvement

RailFest is a nine-day festival celebrating the past, present and future of rail transport, at the NRM from 29 May.

It is being held to mark the bi-centenary of Britain's railways and more then 50,000 people are expected to attend.

NRM head Andrew Scott said they were delighted that rail passengers would be able to step off their trains so close to the museum's doors.

"It will be a vast improvement both for visitors to the museum and for the growing numbers of people living and working in this area of the city," he said.