CONSULTATION on controversial plans to move York's historic records out of the city centre has been called a "sham" by opponents.

City of York Council has started public consultation on an offer made to it by the University of York to house the city's archives in a new £6.3 million building proposed for the Heslington campus.

It would mean moving it out of its city centre home next to York Art Gallery, and a public meeting has been called for next week.

But the Friends of York Archives, set up to oppose the move, which now has 100 members, has said the consultation is just for show.

Its chairman, Dr Charles Kightley, said: "The consultation period is only four weeks and we do feel that it is a sham. It seems to us that the decision has been made, and the consultation is just to go through the motions.

"Next week's public meeting has not been well publicised. A lot of people are furious about what is happening."

The public meeting will be held in the Tempest Anderson Hall, in the Museum Gardens, at 7pm on Thursday.

Residents' opinions are also being sought through a leaflet distributed through city libraries and archive centres.

Councillor Alan Jones, City of York executive member for leisure, said: "We want to hear the views of as many people as possible about this potentially exciting partnership."

Officials say the current accommodation keeps the archives in sub-standard conditions.

But opponents say moving them out of the city would restrict access.

Dr Kightley is now attempting to arrange another public meeting for later in the month.

"We will be represented at next week's meeting, but we are hoping to hold a meeting where all of the issues can be properly discussed and listened to," he said.

"Of course, the council and the university will be invited to attend."

Updated: 16:27 Thursday, March 28, 2002