PLANS to build two new train stations and install a regular service between Haxby, Strensall and York could be derailed - because of the current crisis at Arriva Trains Northern.

Council chiefs have revealed that ambitious plans to expand York's railway network have hit the buffers, only days after the scheme was heralded in a national rail report.

The project, which would see a regular service run from York Station through new stations at Haxby and Strensall, was highlighted in the Strategic Rail Authority's national plan in early January.

It was included as part of a ten-year plan to revitalise Britain's rail network.

Transport planners at City of York Council are keen to press forward with a scheme which could dramatically cut congestion on York's roads.

But they said today the project has been stopped in its tracks, because of driver shortages and impending strike action at Arriva.

"Until Railtrack gives the go-ahead for the scheme, we are stuck," a council source said.

"That won't happen while Arriva, who will run the services, still have some problems and until they can come up with a timetable they can operate within their driver shortages."

Colin Knight, the council's head of transport planning, said: "While we are delighted that the SRA has included our scheme in its new statement, there are concerns.

"With the problems which Arriva have had, maybe this scheme has not been the company's top priority.

"That is disappointing, but these things happen. Hopefully we will be able to put something together which we can put to Railtrack in the near future. City of York Council is committed to this scheme."

An Arriva spokeswoman said: "We support this scheme and we are working on approving timetables for it."

A Railtrack spokeswoman added: "We are working with Arriva and with the council to take this project forward.

"Now we are waiting for clarification from both sides."

Updated: 10:59 Tuesday, January 22, 2002