York councillors and railway chiefs are to discuss ways of stamping out trackside vandalism and trespassing.

Representatives from Railtrack, British Transport Police and the Railway Inspectorate will attend a meeting with a special City of York Council scrutiny committee.

Councillors will listen to what is being done to improve trackside safety and put forward concerns on behalf of worried local residents.

The issue of rail safety has been highlighted by the recent Hatfield and Great Heck tragedies, and the jailing of two York teenagers on Friday for a catalogue of crimes including abandoning a car on the Scarborough line at Haxby.

Speaking about the "safety summit", to be held on Wednesday June 20, council scrutiny manager Rosalind Gray said: "At their last meeting members identified the need for a better understanding of the standards and responsibilities associated with railside safety.

"HM's Railway Inspectorate will be attending the meeting to help to clarify these issues."

Committee chairman Coun Mark Waudby said they hoped to allay residents' fears over track safety.

He said: "Since the Hatfield disaster people have become a lot more concerned about rail safety.

"I'm aware of a number of cases in York where children have been playing around on the railway line.

"By talking the issues through with all the relevant bodies we hope to ensure that the railway lines are as safe as possible. We will act as a channel of information."

Mrs Gray added: "The scrutiny committee is looking for constructive, positive outcomes from this investigation.

"Working in partnership is essential to improving railside safety in the York area for the benefit of local residents, and while this issue is not a primary responsibility for City of York Council the committee may recommend a way in which the council can contribute."

The committee propose to:

* Consider whether more publicity of railside safety issues is needed in schools.

* Identify areas where further information is required.

*Consider the future involvement of the council in railside safety.

The meeting will take place in The Guildhall.

The committee is expected to conclude its review and make recommendations to the Executive in July.

Updated: 08:45 Monday, June 11, 2001