ANOTHER conservation group has thrown its weight behind fierce opposition to controversial plans to install ticket barriers at York Station.

York Civic Trust has branded the scheme “inappropriate” and “unsatisfactory” as the consultation period on plans by National Express East Coast (NXEC) to put the barriers across the building’s concourse comes to an end.

About 250 objections to the proposals have been sent to City of York Council, which is expected to decide on whether they should be approved at a planning meeting next month.

NXEC says the barriers, which would mean passengers could only access platforms once they have bought a valid ticket, will help combat fare-dodging and improve security.

But the scheme has been opposed by hundreds of York residents, passengers, rail-user organisations, campaign groups and English Heritage, which says the barriers would be too high and kiosks also earmarked for the concourse would clutter up the area and harm the signal box and WH Smith bookshop.

Calling for the plans to be turned down in a letter to the council, York Civic Trust said the station building had “outstanding quality as one of architectural and historic interest” and was “much admired by both citizens and the travelling public”.

It added: “The York Civic Trust considers that the character of this Grade II building would not only be harmed by the inappropriate and extensive use of contemporary materials of the gates and partition systems, but also by the interruptions of aspects of the long vistas within the station.

The trust said passengers with mobility difficulties would be disadvantaged by the barriers, which it said were “further examples of the lack of care, design and understanding of this station building, which is a much-admired entrance building to the city of York.”

NXEC has said the plan was part of its agreement with the Government when it won the franchise to operate the East Coast Main Line in December 2007.

“This scheme will help us to build a better railway and will prevent fradulent travel and protect revenue, which can be invested back into enhanced facilities," said a spokesman.

“At York, we plan to invest £2.3m in the station. This will include improved signage, painting and seating, provision of electronic posters and interactive ‘smart columns’ giving passengers information, extra cycle parking, additional facilities for cyclists and more comfortable waiting areas, including a new first-class lounge.

“The scheme will also improve security and contribute to a safer and more pleasant travelling experience. We fully recognise the important of York Station in terms of its tremendous heritage, architectural and historic status.

“We are committed to not only maintaining and protectiong the station, but, in some instances, to enhancing it, including through some of the improvements we have outlined. We do acknowledge the various suggestions and issues relating to our proposed gating scheme which have been raised by stakeholders and members of the community.

“We are actively considering these comments and suggestions as part of our commitment to an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders.”