York Railway Institute have reassured their members that they are still hopeful an agreement can be reached with Railtrack over their sports facilites.

It was revealed last month that Railtrack's planned new headquarters next to York railway station would incorporate the Queen Street buildings used by RI.

The venue has hosted major badminton and table tennis championships and would be a big loss to the city's sporting community.

But nothing has been confirmed and RI's chairman Mike Newsome, speaking at their annual general meeting this week, said talks were still on-going.

"The uncertainty about the future of the YRI at Queen Street mustn't detract from the tremendous successes achieved by our members in so many activities.

"We have played a key role for all York citizens for many years and we are having positive, constructive discussions with Railtrack and others to safeguard our future," he told the meeting.

RI has more than 2,000 members involved in 20 sports, many of whom have enjoyed a successful year. Their teams won all three major badminton titles in the York and District first division and they have nine teams playing in the region's table tennis leagues, four in division one.

The judo club's facilities are in regular demand by the Area and National Associations while the bowls section attracted increased membership with the opening of a new clubhouse at Falconer Street.

The rugby union first team have been promoted to division two next season, the eight junior football teams have had success in their respective leagues, and the sailing club at Naburn's annual short course regatta attracted a record entry.

York RI Pikehills has also received a boost with the Yorkshire Golf Union increasing the standard scratch score to 70 and the club winning this year's York Union Scratch League.

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