A VITAL rail link through York could be fast-tracked for investment under plans by the Liberal Democrats.

The party has proposed a Rail Expansion Fund, which it says would lead to thousands of miles of tracks and stations being reopened, financed through a £3 billion cut in spending on roads.

A list of schemes drawn up for potential early delivery includes the electrification of the line between York and Leeds, which is seen as vital to the region’s economic position after the Government unveiled plans for a new high-speed rail network last month.

York’s potential role in such a scheme remains unclear though, and Madeleine Kirk, who is standing for the Lib Dems in the new York Outer seat at the election, said not focusing attention on the line would be “potentially threatening” to the city’s chances of claiming a place at the heart of the UK’s transport plans.

She said: “York needs to maintain its economic stability and this would help to do that.

“We are part of a hub, and it’s important we have good transport links within that hub, so electrification of this line would give York economic advantages.

“We cannot afford to be left behind. York is in a strong position regionally, with low unemployment compared to the rest of the region, so it would be a retrograde step for this line not to be electrified.”

Of the £3.5 billion which the Lib Dems intend to divert towards rail projects, £2.95 billion would be ploughed into the Rail Expansion Fund, according to the party’s transport spokesman, Norman Baker.

A group working to restore the historic Hull to York railway via Beverley welcomed the proposals, with George McManus, chairman of the Minsters’ Rail Campaign, saying: “Although all parties have signed up to our objectives, this is the first clear spending commitment which focuses on reopening of lines.

“I would now urge other parties to come forward with their proposals in advance of the election.”

• Railway supporters in East Yorkshire have stepped up their efforts to reopen a stretch of line from Driffield to Malton.

Talks have been held between the Yorkshire Wolds Railway Restoration Project and local authorities, as well as tourism groups. The group’s members plan to carry out a feasibility study, while a talk on the railway, complete with a photographic tour, will be held in Driffield tomorrow.