THE Government's failure to award GNER a 20-year rail franchise on the East Coast Main Line could have a "potentially devastating" threat on York, according to a leading councillor.

In an emergency motion - passed almost unanimously - the full council has pledged to work closely with GNER to see how the authority and others can assist the business with its future plans.

Coun Ann Reid told the meeting that GNER and the railways play such an important role in York that the failure to award the 20-year franchise has done the company and the city a grave disservice.

This particularly applies to the threat the short franchise poses to GNER's long-term investment plan.

Calling for the support of every council member in the emergency motion, she said if the investment plan is not implemented there could be a serious knock-on effect on York. Under the terms of the motion the council will write to Transport Secretary Stephen Byers expressing disappointment with the decision and inviting him to visit York.

Letters will also be sent to GNER offering support to their staff and the work they are doing, and the council will offer to organise a meeting between senior members, local MPs and GNER bosses to discuss ways the elected members can assist the business in its future plans.

Coun Reid said: "York has a proud railway tradition. The loss of the carriageworks was a body blow to that tradition. The threat to GNER is potentially just as devastating.

Support for Coun Reid's motion was almost unanimous, with only Coun Ken King voting against.