The road originally formed part of plans on developments off Heworth Green, but those plans have stalled as a result of the economic downturn. Coun. Ruth Potter says the current situation is not sustainable, saying:

"I've asked last week as part of the Executive Member's consideration of the authority's capital programme that this link road is delivered through compulsory purchase powers open to the council. We have been waiting for years for this to happen through planning consents already given, but it is quite clear that this is not going to happen without the necessary intervention from the council.

"Not joining up James Street with Heworth Green is continuing to cause problems with heavy goods vehicles using Mill Lane, which is ill-equipped to deal with them, and with vehicles illegally turning right out of Mill Lane onto Heworth Green to save time. Much has changed since the development of the Foss Islands Road and James Street area, meaning much of the heavy traffic heading from the east to the north of York needs the appropriate road to do so. The impact on residents in this residential area is entirely negative and they need to see an end to it".

The Executive Member last week called on officers to outline the options open to the council on the James Street link road, which Coun. Potter said was a step in the right direction.

"We'll continue to push for action on this road until we see real progress", she added.