RAIL groups in York today backed a plan which could see them have a voice in the company which succeeds Railtrack.

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers is expected to make about £300 million of public money available to buy out the beleaguered maintenance operator and set up a new non-profit making company.

The moves, signalling a U-turn by the Government, will also see shareholders reimbursed to a significant degree, receiving about £2.50 a share.

Details of the plan, by the Government's not-for-profit vehicle, known as The Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG), were expected to be released today.

It was also expected to contribute a further £200 million which will be guaranteed by the Government.

The company, which will be owned by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), will also take train operators, passengers groups and rail unions on board.

That has been welcomed by interested rail groups in the region, who will learn today of their involvement and the name of the new company.

Ernie Preston, of the Rail Passengers' Committee, in York, said: "If this is what is to be announced, then it would seem eminently sensible that groups such as the RPC would have input.

"The important news is that the future of Railtrack may be sorted. That's the key to the future improvements of the railway."

Bob Crow, general secretary of The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, which has a branch in York, added: "We would have to see the details before we consider our response.

"We are pleased that a new company could have our voice on board. We don't mind sitting on the committee but not to approve cuts in services."

Any not-for-profit company is expected to be established in either July or August, much earlier than was expected.

A Railtrack spokeswoman, in York, said the plans were unlikely to effect merger proposals of the York regional headquarters with the East Anglia zone.

"This won't have an effect," she said.

"We have been working with the administrators in developing the merger and what is to take place in the future."

An SRA spokesman said the authority could not comment until an announcement had been made.

Holiday disruption

GNER is urging York passengers planning to travel to Scotland to check their travel plans over the Easter Bank Holiday.

Major engineering work is to be carried out on the East Coast Main Line between Newcastle and Berwick from Friday until Sunday, and a coach service will run between the two stations. Services south of Newcastle will not be affected.

Meanwhile, GNER is also advising passengers planning to travel to York on Thursday to confirm their travel arrangements as conductors at Arriva Trains Northern are due to strike on that day.

Full details of all train times and fares available over Easter are available at stations or from National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50. GNER timetables can be viewed online at www.gner.co.uk

Updated: 11:36 Monday, March 25, 2002