THIS was one way of getting on top of the Railtrack issue for two Labour politicians in York.

Transport Minister John Spellar and York MP Hugh Bayley were hoisted to the heights to see the latest Railtrack work being carried out on the famously ornate Victorian barrel roof of York Railway station.

It is part two of a £5 million revamp of the station by contractor Spencers and site managers Corus Rail Consultancy, the rapidly expanding York firm which invited the Minister to see it for himself.

Both the MPs admired parts of the grade two listed roof which had been completely re-glazed with protective netting below plus a new moveable gantry to ensure easier maintenance in future. Work began in October and is due for completion next March.

Mr Spellar arrived at the station accompanied by Hugh Fenwick, managing director of Corus Rail Consultancy. Earlier he had been shown around Corus' offices in Hudson House.