THE possible restoration of two York rail links was due to be discussed by senior city councillors today.

A council scrutiny report indicates cross-party support for the restoration of the rail links at Haxby and Strensall.

Possible funding for the links was controversially pulled early this year. The Strategic Rail Authority has since reopened funding bids for the scheme, though an authority spokesman has admitted it would be "extremely unlikely" that any cash would be released this year.

The report recommends that members continue investigating all possible funding methods for the scheme, look at other rail options for York and give a progress report to the scrutiny board every six months.

Today's meeting was also due to hear a report on the council's highway maintenance performance and proposed works for the new financial year.

More than £5.5m has been allocated to the council's highways budget for works next year, with an extra £1.28m allocated for structural maintenance, including bridge maintenance.

The report says the public highway network has increased by one per cent over the last 12 months, with a slight downturn in public satisfaction over the quality of footpaths and roads.

Councillors will hear last winter's spell of severe weather has meant gritters were on the roads more often than usual, leading to an overspend of £100,000.

They will be asked to approve the release of £100,000 from the council's general contingency fund to cover the overspend.

Today's meeting will be held at The Guildhall from 5pm. For more information, phone the council on 01904 613161.

Updated: 11:30 Monday, April 07, 2003