Beleaguered rail company Arriva has been slammed for having one of the worst records for passing signals at danger.

Since April, the company has had 21 such incidents, including one in July at York Station where a train overshot by 440 yards. Only freight operator EWS has a worse record.

Ernie Preston, secretary of the Rail Passengers Committee in York, said: "In an ideal world there would be no SPADs (signals passed at danger) and it is disappointing that the numbers are rising."

A spokeswoman for Arriva said: "We take every SPAD incident very seriously. We are focused on addressing the issue and are committed to providing safe and reliable services."

Industry insiders believe there is a chance the train operator, which has cut more than ten per cent of services and is facing a strike by guards over pay differentials, may be stripped of its franchise.

A spokesman for FirstGroup, one of three shortlisted bidders for the Trans Pennine franchise, said: "If the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) wanted to talk to us about the possibility of taking over the franchise, then, of course, we would be more than happy to discuss it."

Mr Preston added: "Whether or not Arriva loses the franchise is a matter for the SRA. Arriva inherited a lot of problems when it took over last year but does deserve some of the criticism.

"The customer information could be better and the trains could sometimes be cleaner."

Arriva has refused to comment on the franchise issue.

Winter travel on a Sunday is now possible between Whitby and Middlesborough after an SRA grant to the Esk Valley line.

A £72,000 boost will allow the new service to run as part of the Rail Passenger Partnership scheme.

The Esk Valley Line is one of 31 local schemes to benefit from grants.

Updated: 11:15 Wednesday, October 31, 2001