RAIL bosses in York have been forced to go back to the drawing board as they try to keep commuters in the picture.

East Coast Main Line, which runs York Station, wanted to fit new poster displays around the concourse after passengers surveys revealed they wanted better information.

The firm planned to replace two boards outside the Upper Crust food outlet and install two new displays in the ticket office, but the proposals have been turned down by City of York Council because of concerns they would harm the appearance of the listed building.

East Coast’s application was part of an initiative between the Association of Train Operating Companies and Network Rail to “improve the clarity” of information available to passengers.

East Coast said the scheme would improve the look of the station’s entrance, but Mike Slater, the council’s assistant director for planning and sustainable development, said the poster boards in the entrance would appear “bulky and jarring”.

A spokesman for East Coast said: “We note the council’s decision and will identify a more acceptable alternative site for these posters.”