Selby MP John Grogan says he is "hopeful" that a train service between York and Selby will be reinstated, following the controversial decision to replace it with a bus.

Outrage was caused among rail passengers when Arriva decided that its 6pm York to Selby service would come in the shape of a bus rather than a train.

A petition was even organised, but Mr Grogan thinks that following his meeting with Nigel Patterson, managing director of Arriva Trains Northern, the company will reinstate the train.

Mr Grogan said he believed that the problem could now be overcome.

"I met with Mr Patterson and I am hopeful that they are going to get the train back on the winter timetable which starts in September," he said.

Arriva has said that the reason for pulling the train service was because of a shortage of rolling stock.

No one at Arriva was available for comment when the Evening Press went to press.

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, June 20, 2001