Network Rail had planned to lease the former Travis Perkins land from Cleveland House Estates to create a further 150 spaces for cars, including a number of bays for passengers with disabilities.

Selby Rail Users' Group secretary Reg French said: "It seems Network Rail is no longer interested in continuing negotiations for the lease on the site.

"We had expected the plans to go before Selby District Council shortly so this has come as a huge surprise. This deal would have created much-needed parking spaces for the station, and it will be interesting to find out why it isn't going ahead now."

Mr French will meet MP John Grogan and rail company representatives tomorrow or Monday to discuss parking and improved access at the station, as well as a grant application to the Department of Transport to fund much-needed improvements to platform access for disabled passengers.

He added: "This important meeting will cover a number of issues, and I'm currently considering what position I should adopt on behalf of the group."

Mr Grogan added: "Extra car parking will be top of the agenda when we meet with Network Rail. It's desperately needed, and we want an explanation as to why this proposal has been put on hold."

The users' group has also been dealt a further blow with members learning of a condition restricting the release of Section 106 funding from the developers of nearby Staynor Hall homes – earmarked to fund seven additional disabled car parking spaces, as well as extra cycle facilities.

The money will now be released in three instalments after the completion of 200, then 400 and finally 600 homes on the site.
Mr French added: "The firm seems nowhere near completing the 400 homes required to trigger the next instalment.

"This is very disappointing' as this condition was never previously mentioned and it means extra railway car parking is now a long-term vision."