Evening Press readers took their chance to grill the Railtrack boss last night in a lively 90-minute online debate.

Robin Gisby, director of Railtrack London North Eastern Zone, answered 37 questions during the question and answer session on the www.thisisyork.co.uk website.

Mr Gisby, who described the online interrogation as a "wonderful chance to hear people's concerns", is keen to return to the Evening Press for a repeat of the debate.

Topics under discussion ranged from hunting hounds on the track, through to the future of the East Coast Main Line and problems at Leeds Station.

"It has been very successful," he said after his session at the keyboard.

"We have been able to communicate effectively with members of the public and it has given them a chance to highlight areas of concern."

He said that one thing he has learned from the debate is that "people care passionately about their railway and want to see it working effectively again."

Mr Gisby displayed a willingness to solve problems and is not afraid of the challenges of the job.

When asked "If something like Hatfield happens again, do you have the guts to deal with any criminal charges that might arise?" He answered "yes".

Click here to go to the debate

Updated: 09:30 Wednesday, January 24, 2001