THE University of York today re-emerged as the most likely new home for the Huntington Stadium running track should the facility be relocated.

Following a first meeting of all the major parties this week, York City Football Club and City of York Council are now investigating the suitability of a possible alternative venue for the track and athletics facilities.

Although no site has been named, the Evening Press understands the campus at Heslington, which is already home to a cinder track, is the venue being closely considered.

Moving the all-weather track to the university was first mooted by the Evening Press in April although it was immediately dismissed as unsuitable by the athletes who currently use Huntington Stadium.

Speaking today, Nestle Rowntree Athletic Club chairman Gordon Priestley said his club believed keeping the athletics facilities at Huntington and sharing the stadium with the football club was still the most "practical and affordable option".

The football club is proposing to move to the Monks Cross site in a year's time but insist the running track must be moved so that the ground can be brought up to Football League standards.

Athletes fear being made homeless and have launched a petition, signed by more than 2,000 supporters, calling for their facilities to be retained at their current home.

Despite opposition to any move, Priestley insisted NRAC would do all it could to ensure the future of both athletics and football in York.

Because of that commitment, he confirmed the athletics club remained "happy" to discuss proposals for York City to provide "an alternative all-weather, floodlit facility elsewhere in the city where athletes, young and old, can train and compete in safety all year round".

Monday's meeting, staged at Huntington Stadium, involved not only representatives from the football and athletics clubs but also from York City Knights RLFC, who also play at Huntington Stadium, and the council.

It was the first time representatives from all the parties had sat around the same table in an attempt to solve the long-running track saga.

Priestley said: "It was agreed to convene a follow-up meeting later this month to consider the results of York City FC's feasibility studies.

"Importantly, it was agreed by all concerned that any new facility must be commissioned before athletics leave Huntington."

York City confirmed fresh proposals for the athletics facilities were now being "investigated and discussed further with all parties to achieve a satisfactory outcome".

City's commercial director, Jason McGill, described Tuesday's gathering as "extremely positive" and said all parties were being "helpful, willing and constructive".

"It was a working meeting and there is clearly more work to be done, but I believe for the benefit of all sports in York, everyone is committed to finding a positive solution," he said.

However, he maintained the only way City would be able to move to Huntington Stadium was if the track was also moved to a new venue.

McGill said: "York City Football Club has not changed its position; we fully support the continuation of athletics in the city of York and would strongly object to the closure of such a facility.

"However, in order to enhance the stadium to Football League standards and ensure a future for professional football in York, the club believes it is essential to relocate the running track."

The football club said it intended to provide an update on its investigations by the end of July.

Even if a new site can be found for the track which would be suitable to the athletics club, funding the switch is likely to be the next stumbling block.

- The council has reportedly estimated any relocation would cost at least £500,000.

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, July 03, 2003