YORK prides itself as being a tourist city, but what do visitors find when they arrive at the railway station? Reporter Chris Greenwood puts himself in their shoes

Picture the scene, you step out into a new city, tired, uncomfortable and carrying a hefty suitcase - what you need is a helping hand to find your way.

Now I challenge anyone on a bright day not to find their way to the city centre when the Minster is clearly visible above the city walls.

But passengers arriving at bustling York Station face a somewhat confusing obstacle course of platforms, shop stands and flower stalls before they emerge.

And when the tourist information office is closed, a quick wander around that station reveals a number of puzzling signs, including:

Dated and poorly-located signs that are difficult to see from the concourse

Modern station area street maps that misname two major York thoroughfares

Prominent directions to a parcel delivery business that closed four years ago.

Thankfully, David Mallender, of GNER, which runs the station, says new signs will be put up within a month and the manufacturers of the station area street maps have been contacted.

Dispensers in the station selling colour street maps of the city will soon be added to a newly-installed station layout and city attractions map near the passenger dropping off point outside.

Mr Mallender said: "Anybody who is unsure of where to go can contact our staffed GNER information point which is open from the first trains to late evening."

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said she would welcome a large city centre map within the station concourse.

She said: "Though we haven't received any complaints from visitors, this does not mean to say that the current signing could not be improved and we will be in contact with GNER to discuss this further."

She added: "We always welcome comments and feedback from residents and visitors alike and we're grateful to the Evening Press for bringing these issues to our attention."

Gillian Neild, of the Jorvik Viking Centre, said the railway station was an "important gateway" to the city and that the York attraction had a paid-for sign at the station for visitors. She said: "We would applaud any additional improvements that could be made."

Updated: 11:13 Monday, April 07, 2003