I WAS extremely concerned to read the report 'Arriva jobs blow to York' (April 4). It did not fairly reflect the interview I gave to your newspaper and the tone was both speculative and scaremongering.

The article says that I "admitted" that Arriva Transpennine's head office would be in Leeds. In fact, I openly provided that information to your newspaper. I also clearly indicated that the proposal for the new business would impact on very few, if any, of the current staff employed at Arriva Trains Northern in York.

We actually employ 204 people at the York offices, and as I clearly stated in the interview, the head office of Arriva Trains Northern would continue to function. I also clearly stated that if Arriva Trains wins the new Northern rail franchise, its head office would be in York.

The report claimed that "news of a rail operator pulling a major project out of York is a real blow to the rail city". There is no question of pulling out; we are talking about the head office of a new business and no change to the current arrangements in York. This was clearly explained to your newspaper.

I have taken steps to reassure our employees in York. However, I would like to take this opportunity to reassure your readers that Arriva's commitment to York remains as strong as ever and is a key focus in the future development of our rail interests.

Euan Cameron,

Managing Director,

Arriva Trains Ltd.

- Editor's note: At present Arriva's Transpennine Express services are based in York. Should Arriva win the Transpennine Express franchise, those services would operate from Leeds instead. The article made it clear that the Northern franchise office would remain in York.

Updated: 10:46 Monday, April 08, 2002