COMMUTERS, visitors to York and people who use or operate public transport could all receive a boost from new plans for the area surrounding York Station.

The plans, approved by city planning chiefs, would see access to the station improved for taxi drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Part of the plan will see a new taxi rank built in front of the covered area in front of the station, or portico. The new rank would replace the existing one, which is in the middle of Station Road.

The way the taxis queue will be reversed, so waiting taxis back up into Tea Room Square, instead of towards the road.

A kerbed, waiting area with a shelter for taxi passengers will be introduced, as will a pelican crossing, and a zebra crossing into the rail station.

Facilities for cyclists will be improved along with pedestrian access to the station which will include widened paths.

Bus access and bus information at the station will also be improved.

All changes will be carried out with the historic setting of the station in mind.

Officers consulted with six key groups, including GNER and York Taxi Drivers' Federation, before tabling the plans.

They were approved at yesterday's planning and transport (city centre area) sub-committee.

Meanwhile, the pressure group formerly known as Keep Britain Tidy Campaign, now called ENCAMS, is to help keep York tidy.

Deborah Fox Champkins, ENCAMS regional director, told a meeting of the council's advisory panel on environment and planning, that ENCAMS would get local communities involved in the state of their neighbourhoods, thus helping with the clear up of litter and graffiti.

Updated: 10:48 Friday, March 07, 2003