A "HEARTBREAKING" time for train travellers can and must improve, the chairman of a leading passenger watchdog has said.

Speaking before today's launch of the North Eastern Rail Passengers Committee's annual report at the Dean Court Hotel, in York, chairman Jim Beale said though both the rail industry and its customers want the same thing - a strong railway capable of delivering safe reliable and affordable services - "this apparently simple formula seems incapable of being delivered."

He pointed to public confidence in the railways "sinking to a low ebb" after the Hatfield crash in October 2000.

The aftermath of Hatfield saw months of severe speed limits while railway lines were safety tested.

This meant journey times were hugely increased - some trips between York and London took over six hours - and saw rail passengers' confidence in the industry even harder hit.

Referring to last February's disaster at Great Heck, near Selby, Mr Beale said "the interim conclusion" is there was nothing the rail industry could have done to prevent it

He mentioned the "increasing frustration" for passengers as timetables were again disrupted after Great Heck.

But he pointed out the safety of rail travel compared with road, saying: "Shocked and saddened as we are by these tragic events, it is noteworthy that train accidents generate anguish absent from the daily carnage on the nation's roads.

"Road accidents seem to be an accepted risk and are therefore not news."

Travel on the roads was "at least 15 times" more life threatening than on the railways, he claims.

He says that the strong railway everyone wanted could and would be achieved.

"I am not downbeat. The situation will improve because it must improve."

Good news for passengers mentioned in the report is the reduction in pressure on train fleets and crews by rail operator Arriva's "aggressive" recruitment of new drivers.

They are due to cover shortages caused by retirement and drivers being 'poached' by recruiting an extra 120 staff.

Arriva - which operates the busy York to Leeds commuter run - was criticised for major disruption to timetables while Leeds station was renovated.

York station was evacuated for an hour last night after staff smelt gas.

Transco engineers were called but no problems were found.

"We responded to a call there had been a gas escape between platforms five and nine.

"Engineers investigated and found no problems at all before leaving."

The station was closed between 9.10pm and 10.10pm.

Updated: 11:34 Thursday, August 09, 2001