THE gloves came off in the row over the Barbican Centre redevelopment today when York's council leader threatened campaigners with the prospect of a devastating legal bill if they cause further delays.

Steve Galloway warned opponents contemplating a judicial review that they may be hit with the council's court costs which could rise to £250,000.

He said City of York Council may also try to claw back building fees incurred during any legal fight.

Capital costs for the Kent Street replacement leisure site are rising at triple inflation - about £10,000 every week the project is delayed.

The Lib Dem leader warned that in the event of a potential three-month judicial review campaigners may also be stung with another request for up to £120,000.

But the Save Our Barbican (SOB) campaign group refused to be intimidated by the possibility of a near-£400,000 legal bombshell.

They told Coun Galloway: "We don't like being threatened."

Coun Galloway broke the news of potential action after SOB voted unanimously to look into launching a judicial review after the council's Barbican plans got the green light from the Government.

Coun Galloway said it was time a "minority" of protesters stopped acting "against the interests of the majority of residents" by draining council coffers.

He said £5.5 million was set aside from the sale of part of the Barbican, but delays had already knocked £500,000 off that in just one year. This loss would hit the quality of Kent Street facilities, with a proposed dance studio and separate training pool threatened.

Coun Galloway told the Evening Press: "I believe in the right to protest.

"The issue is whether council taxpayers should have to bear the costs and consequences of a small group of people pursuing every possible angle to stop a project passed by a democratically elected chamber.

"If they did ask for a judicial review and the council won, then the council would be asked to consider whether it might seek damages - not just for court costs, but for losses incurred to Kent Street during any further delays."

Ernie Dickinson, a campaign group leader, said legal aid claimants were protected against cost orders. "I would have expected a senior councillor to have checked his facts before issuing threats. Not for the first time Coun Galloway has the appearance of a blustering bully. We do not like being threatened."

He said the council should have considered challenges when it "failed to consult properly, changed original plans" for more flats and a smaller pool, and negotiated a lease deal which "as good as gave the auditorium away".

A decision on any judicial review is due by the end of July.

lThe council wants to transform the Barbican into 240 new apartments and a 135-bedroom hotel. Proposals would also mean a new community pool, refurbishment of the Yearsley and Edmund Wilson pools, 100 new jobs and new affordable homes.

Updated: 10:26 Tuesday, July 06, 2004