A number of highway and cycle track improvements close to the new Manor School should be reviewed, according to local ward councillor, Tracey Simpson-Laing. Members of the City Strategy Advisory Panel will meet next Monday to discuss the scheme, and Coun. Simpson-Laing feels there are a number of modifications which need to be made. She said:

"On Low Poppleton Lane serious consideration must be given to the issue of drainage. The construction of the cycle track, widening of the footpath and removal of grass verges must take this into account to ensure there is not increased water run-off, making nearby properties more susceptible to flooding. I still question the requirement for an ‘Off Road Cycle Path' on such a quiet road.

"On Boroughbridge Road, heading towards its junction with Beckfield Lane from Holgate, the bus stop could safely be situated nearer to the junction, which would be nearer to the school. Combined with this, I would like officers to look at the need for a left-hand turn lane on the inward-bound carriageway".

The new Manor School being passed for planning was dependent upon safe and sustainable routes to school for its pupils. Specific aspects of the improvement scheme are:

• A 20mph School Safety Zone on Millfield Lane to enhance road safety around the new school frontage.

• Widening the existing segregated pedestrian/cycle path along Millfield Lane.

• A lowering bollard to facilitate bus and emergency vehicle access through the existing Low Poppleton Lane road closure.

• Widening the existing footway on the west side of Low Poppleton Lane to provide more space for pedestrians.

• The provision of improved crossing facilities on Boroughbridge Road and Beckfield Lane to serve the main pedestrian and cyclist movements at the junction.

• Widening the existing footway along Beckfield Lane, for a distance of at least 70m back from Boroughbridge Road, to provide an off-road segregated cycle path.

And Coun. Simpson-Laing thinks the proposal for an off-road cycle path on Beckfield Lane is flawed and that residents concerns have been totally ignored.

She said:

"Residents and councillors have been saying for some time that plans for a cycle path for the first part of Beckfield Lane is unnecessary and unsafe and will encourage cyclists to remain on the pavement when it ends. Something similar to a safe cycle crossing point, as seen at many junctions in York, at the junction with Boroughbridge Road where cyclists enter and exit the crossing by a short section of ‘off road path' would be much more sensible considering the usage it will get. I hope officers give this proposal serious consideration".

Councillor Simpson-Laing notes that during the process of the scheme from the start of planning in January 2006 to date, residents have been often left uninformed, provided with confusing and contradictory information and notes that council officers are now proposing to extend an ‘Off Road Cycle Path' as far as Almsford or Ostman Road, yet have not informed or consulted residents on the proposal.