PLANS to introduce airport-style security at railway stations were welcomed across the city.

York station was surrounded by armed police when transport systems were on terror alert following the London bombings in July.

Now the Government has announced plans to bring in scanning equipment to check passengers before they are allowed onto station platforms.

York-based rail firms welcomed extra security, but said they were waiting for further details of how the measures would work.

A spokesman for GNER, the York-based train operator which runs services between London and Scotland, said: "At this stage it is not very clear where any trial might take place and so we don't know if any of our services will be affected.

"We will issue a statement if this proves to be the case." A TransPennine Express spokesman said: "Following the July bombings, our staff have remained in a high state of awareness, looking out for anything suspicious and generally working with the public.

"The message is getting through that it is important that you should not leave your bags around.

"With regards passenger and luggage screening, railway stations raise their own problems.

"But if new technology allows us to bring it in, that is a good thing.

"These trials are designed to test whether the technology can be used."

The British Transport Police, which deals with crime and nuisance at stations and on trains, is keen to see tighter security to ensure passenger and officer safety.

Acting area commander Jayne Townsley said: "It is only a trial so the point of it is to find the implications it would have for both railway stations and passengers.

"From our point of view anything that improves security and reassures the travelling public and our staff is a good thing.

"It's another option that we can work with."

Armed police were called in to strengthen the transport force after the London bombings and York station was cordoned off in August when a suspicious package led to a terror alert.

Now it is hoped increased security will prevent further emergencies, following the introduction of a pilot scheme on the Heathrow Express platforms at Paddington station in West London. Randomly chosen passengers will have to go through an X-ray machine or be searched, either by a body scanner or with sniffer dogs.

Body scanners using millimetre wave technology will also allow security staff to check for objects concealed under clothing.

Further trials are expected to follow.

BETHAN JOHN asked people in York their views on increased security at rail stations

Eileen Watson, 57, a healthcare assistant from Sheriff Hutton, said: "I think it's a good idea, the way the world is today. I think police should target the underground and the main national stations, including York."

Tracie Maynard, 18, a full-time mum from Tang Hall, York, said: "With all the idiots coming through the train stations it's definitely a good idea to have extra security. The police should start with the underground, but later roll it out to all stations."

Adam Snowball, 19, an administrator from Tang Hall, York, said: "It's a good idea, the police should increase the security at all stations."

Updated: 10:20 Tuesday, November 15, 2005