A CHANCE to view York College's proposed £50 million new home attracted about 500 people.

Deputy principal Anne Tyrrell was "thrilled" by the positive response from neighbours, students and staff on Friday and Saturday.

More than 5,000 invitations were posted to residents as part of an ongoing consultation programme.

She added: "This is an indication of the just how interested the community is in the plans.

"The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. People clearly recognise the educational benefits a state-of-the-art building will provide."

All views would be taken into account before a formal planning application is submitted to the council for the short move to Sim Balk Lane, she assured.

If plans - due to be submitted early next year - get the green light, the current Tadcaster Road campus will be sold for new homes.

The new college could open by September 2007.

Updated: 08:55 Wednesday, December 03, 2003