YOUNG parents and doctors' patients would lose out under proposed new parking restrictions in part of York, it has been claimed.

City of York Council proposed to reduce short-stay parking in Heworth Green, but the plans sparked concern from local councillors Ruth Potter and Paul Blanchard.

They say major development of the area has adversely affected existing households.

Coun Potter said: "We have highlighted our concerns about the reduction of short-stay spaces in Heworth Green.

"These spaces are used daily by patients going to the Priory GP practice at the corner of Hyrst Grove and by parents taking children to the day nursery. Where will they go if these spaces are removed?

"Also, the houses on the north-west side of Heworth Green have very small front gardens and the existing flats on the other side have limited parking - where will their visitors park?

"Going further afield, parking is very limited in Heworth Green and Mill Lane, and in the nearest stretches of Dodsworth Avenue. We do not want to see cars displaced from Heworth Green on to Huntington Road, either."

Coun Blanchard said: "Quite rightly, parking in Dalguise Grove and Villa Grove is very restricted by yellow lines, so there's little worry about displacement to there.

"Hyrst Grove, however, has only short yellow lines near the junction. Further in, they have considerable problems already with casual parking, often blocking drive exits."

A meeting yesterday deferred a decision. A council spokesperson said: "Any decision on the loss of parking spaces at Heworth Green is a part of the Foss Basin traffic masterplan, which was approved by council members as part of the planning process for the redevelopment of several sites, including Heworth Croft and two other major sites on Heworth Green.

"No decision was made because of the need to understand the wider implications of the masterplan."


How the restrictions would work

* To convert the no-waiting 8am to 6pm restrictions on the north-west side of Heworth Green between the roundabout and a point ten metres north-east of Villa Grove to no waiting at any time.

* To convert the residents parking bays on the south-east side of Heworth Green between the roundabout and Villa Grove to no waiting at any time.

* To convert the existing no-waiting zone from 8am to 6pm restrictions on the remainder of the south-east side of Heworth Green up to the Mill Lane junction to no waiting at any time.

* Conversion of the existing residents' parking bays opposite numbers 11 to 22 Huntington Road for use by R8, R24 and R25 permit holders, as well as the existing R26 permit holders and pay and display.