A CONGREGATION has been barred from using a church car park - just days before Christmas.

Householders in Huntington, York, were shocked to see a tree trunk placed across the entrance to the car park at All Saints' Church, Church Lane, leaving drivers struggling to find alternative spaces in the village.

City of York Council is investigating the move to see if it breaches a legal agreement made with Ryedale District Council in 1993 to allow the land to be used by the church for at least 15 years.

The landowner, Roger Bowling, of York Road, Haxby, refused to comment about the situation, other than to say: "I've nothing to say. I'm the owner of the land."

But according to the rector, the Rev John Davies, discussions were being held with Mr Bowling about proposed rent increases and the possibility of the church buying the car park land.

Then Mr Bowling wrote to the parochial church council, which leases the car park for a peppercorn rent, and warned them that he would be closing the car park to the public this week.

The letter states: "As far as I am concerned no effort by the church council has been made since correspondence started in 1995 to find agreement between the two parties.

"I am therefore informing you as from Sunday, 16 December, the car parking area will be closed to the church and the general public until an agreement is reached."

Car park user Joan Logan, who lives in Meadow Way, Huntington, said: "It's a bit 'bah humbug'. People will have to park in the main street."

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, December 19, 2001