A LEADING East Yorkshire school is on collision course with a local councillor over controversial traffic proposals.

Pocklington deputy mayor George McManus has hit out at plans by the private Pocklington School to develop its access on to the town's Barmby Road.

Coun McManus believes the plans to alter access on the road at the entrance to Lyndhurst School - the feeder school - will cause "considerable disruption in one of the town's main residential areas".

He has urged residents in Barmby Road to contact local councillors with their concerns at the plans.

An internal school letter given to the Evening Press emphasises that the plans to move access could "reduce congestion on West Green".

It states: "This latter project will greatly enhance Lyndhurst's status".

Pocklington School head teacher Nicholas Clements said the new entrance would give the opportunity to "distribute" peak time traffic "more evenly and safely".

But Coun McManus fears that this will only shift congestion from West Green to Barmby Road - one of the town's busiest roads.

He has asked the school to clarify its position.

Coun McManus said: "I have written to ask if the school has done its homework on how the new plans are likely to impact on the Barmby Road area.

"We all wish to see the school prosper, which is why it is important to assuage the concerns of local residents.

"I am enthusiastic about encouraging alternative methods of school transport and there is no doubt that major increases of vehicle traffic either entering or leaving by this access could have a serious impact on the area."

Mr Clements said: "The proposed Barmby Road entrance is for Lyndhurst School, our junior school from ages seven to 11.

"The new entrance gives the opportunity to distribute peak time traffic more evenly and safely.

"We have already discussed the proposal in principle with both the town council and East Riding (of Yorkshire) Council and look forward discussing this further with local residents and all concerned."

Updated: 10:42 Friday, March 07, 2003