Lib Dems seek no sale option in car park consultation

THE leader of the Liberal Democrats in York has written to the council’s chief executive demanding recognition is given to a populist “sixth option” being put forward by campaigners over its controversial sell-off of Union Terrace.

The future of the site is currently out for public consultation after the York Council cabinet agreed to offer five options, which still involve at least part of the site being sold off to York St John University to pave the way for an expansion of its campus.

But campaigners, who have collected more than 22,000 signatures on a petition over the plans, claim the consultation process is deeply flawed as there is no option to choose to abandon the sale completely.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillor Carol Runciman, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in York, says she has been contacted by a number of campaigners who are creating their own “no sale” option on the consultation documents.

Now she has called on Kersten England, the chief executive of York Council, to publish the full results of the consultation, when it comes to an end.

“Many feel that the lack of a no sale option means that the council isn’t interested in the views of people who want to see the whole site retained as a car and coach park,” Coun Runciman said.

“As a result I am aware that many people are not selecting any of the five consultation options but are instead using space in the consultation form to create their own option.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“If large numbers of people are responding to the consultation in this way, it is important that their views are presented alongside other responses.”

Coun Runciman says the no sale option could be added to the consultation, following a meeting of the Scrutiny Management Committee on Monday.

Ms England said: “York Council will be considering all views expressed in the consultation and all the views and opinions received will be reflected in the report and considered by cabinet as part of the decision making process.”

Related topics: