CONTROVERSIAL plans to move York's historic records out of the city centre have been put on hold.

Council officers have been ordered to look at alternatives to a proposed move from the base next to the city's art gallery to a new library at the University of York.

The move comes after months of protest from users who claim moving them would restrict access.

The council's executive has now asked for research to see how realistic other options are, including extending the existing archives.

Another possibility is thought to be that of incorporating them with the Minster's records.

Charlie Croft, the head of York's Leisure Office, said: "Members wanted to explore other aspects and be totally sure that they are making the right decision.

"They are still very interested in the move to the university. They have not gone off the idea, but they do want to look at other angles so it has been put on hold for the time being."

The news has been welcomed by opponents of the move.

A spokesman for the Friends of York Archives said: "We have always said this should not be a one-horse race. There are alternatives which have never been looked at, and we've always said they should be.

"The council has now agreed to look at alternatives and that is exactly what we wanted. We are clearly very happy that this is being done."

Earlier this year, opponents criticised consultation about the proposed move to the university, claiming it was a "sham".

They said the council did not really want to discover what people thought about the plans, but was merely going through the motions.

But Mr Croft said councillors had decided to look at alternatives as a direct result.

"New options came up in the consultation which hadn't been thought of before, and members wanted to look at them in further detail," he said.

"They want to be totally sure that what they decide to do is the best option."

Updated: 11:47 Monday, June 24, 2002