In a shock announcement the Strategic Rail Authority has announced it is suspending the funding of a number of proposed local rail schemes.

And the City of York Council says it is shocked and disappointed by the decision, believing the cash had been safeguarded.

The city's executive member for transport, Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing has now asked officers to find other ways of funding the scheme.

York had planned to re-open the stations as part of the local transport plan.

York has a proven track record in delivering congestion-busting transport projects which is a sound basis for awarding York much-needed cash for its new local rail stations Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing

Councillor Simpson-Laing said: "We are not going to let this set-back knock us off course.

"I have asked officers to look at other sources of funding.

And she added: "Perhaps where other local authorities are underspending on their Local Transport Plans, the government might consider a reallocation of funding to York to pay for this important scheme.

"York has a proven track record in delivering congestion-busting transport projects which is a sound basis for awarding York much-needed cash for its new local rail stations."