Decision pledge on car park sale plans

Coun James Alexander said a decision would be made following an extraordinary council meeting on August 4 called by York’s Liberal Democrat Group.

It will give the public the chance to speak out over the city council’s plans to sell off the Union Terrace site to York St John University, which plans to expand its existing campus across the road.

It will come as good news to residents and businesses, who strongly oppose the proposal. Campaigners set up a petition on July 4 and have already gathered over 11,000 signatures.

Mark Braithwaite, from the Campaign to Save Union Terrace, said: “Public opinion has been running extremely strongly about this issue – many shops report people coming off the street just to sign the petition as they are so incensed.”

The meeting will debate a motion from the Liberal Democrats to withdraw from the current proposed sale to York St John University. It was called by the group following the Lord Mayor’s refusal to hold the meeting.

Liberal Democrat group leader Carol Runciman said it was important that a public debate on the proposed sale took place.

She said: “Selling Union Terrace car and coach park would be devastating for local businesses, many of whom rely on passing trade. The loss of the car park would also have a big impact on residents and those from a wider area who use it when visiting York Hospital or Gillygate Surgery.

“The council needs to be clear about the impact this would have on residents, businesses and the York economy.”

Coun Alexander, who has backed the scheme, said: “I have called for the Cabinet to be convened to take a decision on this matter immediately following the full council meeting.”