MORE than a thousand residents have already visited York's Hungate exhibition.

And it was revealed today that some have discovered an unexpected bonus - the joy of meeting long-lost neighbours.

Former residents of the rundown city centre district were dispersed across the city when their homes were compulsorily purchased by the old city council several decades ago.

Neighbours lost touch and thought they might never see each other again.

But now some have enjoyed emotional reunions while visiting the exhibition of plans to redevelop the ten-acre site between Stonebow and the River Foss.

Exhibition spokesman Tim Flanagan said some are planning a bigger reunion on Saturday afternoon, when they intend going along to an archaeological talk to be given at 2pm by archaeologist Mike Griffiths.

He said anyone else who used to live in the Hungate area would be welcome.

One couple who used to live in Hungate until their home was compulsorily purchased by the council in the 1960s, and who have visited the exhibition, are Anthony and Wendy Carter.

Mrs Carter said her husband had lived in the area from childhood, and they both lived there in Brunswick Terrace after getting married.

She said she thought the redevelopment plans were "quite good," although she was a "bit amazed" at the size and height of some of the buildings.

The proposals, which have been submitted in outline form to City of York Council, include 720 new homes in buildings up to seven storeys high.

Mr Flanagan said more than 1,300 people had visited the exhibition so far, and visitors' comments about the proposals had been "overwhelmingly positive".

The exhibition continues until next Tuesday in the former bed warehouse in Garden Place, off Stonebow.

Updated: 11:19 Friday, January 17, 2003