COUNCILORS were today due to make a crucial decision which could halt a £25 million scheme to build three new schools in York.

They have the last say on whether a green space near Victoria Park, Leeman Road, should be registered as a town or village green.

A two-day public inquiry held last month found that the area was not a village green.

If they decide to save the land as a green it will put a stop to plans to rebuild St Barnabas School and put in jeopardy the building of two other schools, St Oswald's, in Fulford, and Hob Moor School, in Acomb. All three schools were to be built through Private Finance Initiatives.

Coun Andy D'Agorne, who was due to be at the meeting, said: "We each have to consider all the available information and not be swayed by any consideration of the proposed PFI school which the council wants to build on the site.

"Green spaces and opportunities for informal sport and keep-fit activities are increasingly at a premium in this city, and much of this land has been used for generations by local people, without any let or hindrance."

The meeting was due to take place at York Guildhall at 2pm today.

Updated: 10:36 Monday, May 24, 2004