A permanent memorial may be created to those who died in the Selby Rail Crash.

Plans for a memorial garden on land overlooking the site of the disaster near the village of Great Heck are to be discussed with local people and those whose lives were touched by the tragedy.

The intention is to have the garden ready in time for the first anniversary of the crash, on February 28 next year.

But a Railtrack spokeswoman stressed today how sensitive the issue was. "We would like to do it, we think it's appropriate - but we need to speak to all the parties involved," she said.

That included the families of the bereaved, residents, railway staff, and the farmer whose land the memorial garden would border.

"We have taken the first step in doing that in talking to the parish council about it," she added.

She believed parish councillors broadly supported the idea, which was backed by the railway industry.

The proposed garden would be situated on a piece of Railtrack-owned land which runs parallel to the road coming from the railway bridge, and which overlooks the crash site.

The spokeswoman said that was considered particularly appropriate for people who wanted to reflect on the tragedy from the garden. They wanted the garden to be in place and growing by the first anniversary.

"It would involve seasonal plants, such as daffodils and snowdrops, and quite a lot of ground cover.

"There would also be a special place where people could gather and reflect privately, as well as a pathway running through the site, where people could just walk and pay their respects."

A plaque is also to be placed at Newcastle Station by GNER.

Updated: 11:03 Monday, April 02, 2001