Updated: BRITAIN’S new high speed railway line will end up near Tadcaster to ensure York is fully linked to the network, it emerged today.

A spur of the route will run from Leeds past Barkston Ash and Church Fenton to connect up with the existing East Coast main line at Ulleskelf.

The link will allow the York to London journey time to be reduced from just under two hours currently to as little as one hour, 23 minutes, while the York to Birmingham journey will be reduced from 130 minutes to 63 minutes.

The route is expected to create thousands of jobs in the region and Len Cruddas, Chief Executive of the Leeds, York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, today said he expected it to contribute to the continued growth of the City Region’s economy.

He said it would provide improved connectivity with regional, national and international markets as well as further enhancing the area’s competitive advantage.

York council leader Coun James Alexander said York was set to realise real economic benefits from the new line. “With access to the country’s capital in just 83 minutes, York will become an even greater hub for tourism and business,” he said.

“We know that developments such as York Central are key to securing the long-term economic future of York and we now need to work to capitalise on today’s announcement, which provides a further boost in confidence to York as a city to invest."

Tory group leader Ian Gillies said: “Ian Gillies: “Hopefully it will provide opportunities, for example, in opening up York Central and other developments and will bring economic benefits to the city.”

Liberal Democrat leader Carol Runciman said: “High speed rail links will make the city a good destination for tourism and business. I’m delighted about the news, and anything that brings economic prosperity to the city is always welcome.”

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of Visit York, said: “Bringing York even closer to the important London and the South East market and overseas visitors coming into London will have a huge impact on York’s leisure and business visitor economy. This is a great endorsement of the importance of the tourism industry in York and it’s growth potential.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “This Government will do everything possible to ensure that York benefits by getting the connections it needs and deserves to thrive.”