CAMPAIGNERS demanding the restoration of a rail link between York and Beverley are urging council chiefs to block a major planning application.

Leaders of the Minsters Rail Campaign will tell councillors at tomorrow's City of York Council planning meeting that to allow a huge new development at Monks Cross could bring the curtain down on moves to restore the important rail link.

Members are to consider outline proposals to create more business space on land north of Monks Cross Drive.

The moves, which could bring dozens of jobs to the city, have already been heavily criticised by Huntington Parish Council.

The authority believes it is another sign of a policy of concentrating York development in Huntington. The plans lie in the midst of a former rail line. The site is at the centre of calls for the restoration of the link between York and Beverley.

A council report, handed to councillors, reveals: "While being supportive in principle to opening up the (rail) route, officers feel it would be necessary to work up a realistic revised route for the scheme before considering safeguarding other land."

Updated: 12:04 Wednesday, June 25, 2003