A NEW row over plans to build a rail station in Haxby has erupted after Labour Party officials in the Vale of York blasted MP Anne McIntosh's criticisms of the scheme.

Miss McIntosh has been attacked by the Constituency Labour Party because she has asked Transport Secretary Stephen Byers to block the plans.

At its January executive meeting, the party reveals that "members were amazed at Anne McIntosh's second unwelcome intervention in the well-established plan."

The party claims the scheme, which would see services run through Haxby and Strensall to York, has the support of the bulk of residents.

Miss McIntosh asked Mr Byers to block the plans, claiming a number of residents had contacted her expressing concerns over the proposals. She also attacked the scheme during last year's general election.

She said: "Haxby is a small, quiet town and residents are worried about the implications of noise and environmental pollution."

But her claims left City of York and Haxby Town Council chiefs bemused. They claim the scheme is well-supported.

Now Miss McIntosh has been hit with more criticism from the Constituency Labour Party. Chair person Karl Smith said: "Getting more people off the roads and out of the city centre must be the right way to go.

"Trains are much less polluting than cars and can carry far more people than buses. This scheme could provide quick efficient transport."

The CLP said that Miss McIntosh should be using her influence to develop the Haxby scheme, not criticise it.

"We back the people of Haxby and the town council, and have written to Transport Minister Stephen Byers," said Mr Smith.

"We will do all we can to help make this scheme a reality. Haxby has everything to gain from this exciting new transport link to York and beyond."

The station was proposed and accepted by the council in 1997. A bid has been made to the Strategic Rail Authority, but the start of work has been delayed by problems at Arriva Trains Northern - which would operate the services.

Miss McIntosh said: "Clearly opinions are divided and I have heard opinions expressed from both sides.

"I would reject the criticisms. There are concerns about the specific site (of the station) and those living near it would not be beneficiaries.

"Let's have a public meeting to consider all the options."

Updated: 11:22 Monday, February 04, 2002