TICKET BARRIERS DECISION NOW LIES WITH GOVERNMENT SAYS COUNCILLOR (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

TICKET BARRIERS DECISION NOW LIES WITH GOVERNMENT SAYS COUNCILLOR

July 15, 2009 12:00 AM

Fulford's Liberal Democrat Councillor Keith Aspden has reiterated his call for plans for ticket barriers to be reconsidered ahead of the meeting which is set to decide on the plans next week.

The Council's West and City Centre Area Planning Sub Committee meet next Thursday to discuss the planning application for the barriers.

Last night Councillor Aspden agreed to withdraw an amendment on the issue he had been due to table at the full council meeting.

Councillor Aspden said, "While the legal advice suggested discussion of the motion would not prejudice the forthcoming planning hearing, some Councillors still had concerns so I agreed to withdraw the amendment."

"It is a shame that we were not able to debate this issue at full council, there is large scale opposition to these plans and it is our job as Councillors to represent the views of people in the city."

Councillor Aspden said he had asked Council Leader Andrew Waller to write to the Transport Minister to urge him to reconsider the plans.

He said, "Effectively the decision to press ahead with barriers at the station now lies with the government. If planning permission is granted it is unlikely that National Express will be able to make a start on building the barriers before the government takes over the franchise."

"This delay provides the perfect opportunity to take another look at these plans and take into account the strong opposition by local people."

"The government doesn't have a particularly good record when it comes to listening to people but hopefully they will change their ways and scrap the plans for these unpopular and unnecessary barriers in York."