THERE were fresh claims today that a park in west York could be sold to make way for flats.

Holgate ward Labour councillors claim City of York Council has "secret" plans to sell the Balfour Street play area, in the middle of Balfour Street, Carnot Street, Lincoln Street and Salisbury Terrace.

The authority denied having plans to sell the site, in Holgate.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "All the city's open spaces are currently being reviewed as part of the Local Development Framework process.

"Approximately three quarters of Back Park are designated as a recreation area and the space has been enhanced over the years.

"The most recent changes to the site involved removing a dilapidated football area that was no longer being used - in 2007."

However, Coun Christian Vassie, the executive member for leisure and heritage, said the authority was considering selling a small section of land in the form of a car park in the area.

But he said it had been designated as housing land for 29 years and was not part of the park.

He said the sale of this car park would generate several thousand pounds which could be spent on the park area, to the benefit of local residents.

Coun James Alexander, who represents Holgate ward, presented a petition signed by more than 250 local residents who do not want the land sold off to a full meeting of the council in November.

The Holgate councillors claim the authority said the land, known locally as Back Park, was held for the purposes of leisure provision and had never been declared surplus to those requirements.

The councillors also claim they were given a briefing on the council's budget, which they say identified the park for sell-off.

Coun Alexander said: "This land was left to local people for leisure use. Let's face it, there is very little in the way of play areas for children around Leeman Road and yet the council just wants to build flats on it.

"Quite frankly, it is disgraceful. I have spoken to parents in the area and they are adamant the play area must stay. They feel it is essential for their children to have somewhere safe to play within the community."

The authority says about three quarters of the park is designated as a recreation area.