Call for end to bitter political feud over sale of coach park

Andrew Waller has claimed any benefits from the hugely contentious plans to sell off the Union Terrace car and coach park could be undermined by the political infighting that has erupted.

Members of the Labour-run council have maintained the previous Liberal Democrat administration was fully aware of the potential sale to allow York St John University for an expansion to its campus.

The initial proposals would have seen £3.2m generated from the sale, with £2m re-invested into city centre improvements and a further £900,000 spent on overhauling York’s car parks.

But concerns have been voiced that the sale would have a major impact on trade and visitors numbers.

Mr Waller, who lost his seat in the May local elections, maintained that while he recognised the importance of the university’s expansion, his party had never supported plans to sell the coach park.

He said: “The objective should be to enhance the university but not at the expense of jobs and services in the city. There has been a great deal of discussion about the sale, and it is certainly not something we were supporting while in power. But the council should be looking to move forward and whatever the solution is, it should be for the benefit of the whole city.”

Mr Waller’s successor, James Alexander, has bowed to public opposition and new options are being drawn up for the coach park’s future.

They include plans that could retain all coach parking on the site, which is a key location for helping bring in millions of visitors to York each year.

Coun Alexander admitted the timescales drawn up for the proposed sale after coming to power in May were “unrealistic” and did not allow for public consultations. He added: “We realise how important it is we get this development right for the economic prosperity of the city.”

An extraordinary council meeting will be held on Thursday and the cabinet will then meet to approve a consultation on the new options. Exact details of the options are due to be released ahead of the meetings.