IN their latest issue of Focus for Haxby and Wigginton, the Lib Dems give unequivocal support to the re-opening of Haxby Station by 2006.

However, it is very likely that the latest plan could have a serious negative impact on the eastern approach to the town in particular and the whole of Haxby in general.

The original plan was for a shuttle train serving Strensall, Haxby and York Hospital stations terminating at York station.

This would have meant Haxby giving up enough precious allotment spaces to cater for 68 car parking bays; a sacrifice perhaps worth making to achieve the forecast reduction in road traffic.

However, that plan has been replaced by one which scraps the stations at Strensall and the hospital, and the local shuttle service.

Instead, Haxby becomes a stop on the main Trans-Pennine route from Scarborough to Manchester; an entirely different proposition with an entirely different role for Haxby.

A recent briefing document claimed the only change is that Haxby will be required to give up twice the number of allotments to provide an estimated 113 parking spaces.

However, the experience of similar schemes elsewhere suggests a much more serious impact.

In effect, Haxby becomes a park and ride facility for everyone in the area north and east of York who wishes to travel to any destination on the Trans-Pennine route.

To cope with the resulting demand, 113 parking spaces will be totally inadequate as will the present road system to handle travellers driven to the station and picked up again on their return.

The net result will be an increase in traffic from all directions into Haxby, a probable fall in the value of property in the Towthorpe Road area of the town and the loss of a large number of very popular allotments.

FT Smith,

Ashwood Glade,

Haxby,

York.

Updated: 11:43 Saturday, April 17, 2004