A TRANSPORT Minister today revealed he has asked the Highways Agency to look at ways of lessening the impact of the Copmanthorpe roadworks.

But David Jamieson has said York people must expect inconvenience while work to upgrade the A64 continues.

Speaking at a TransportAction Conference in York highlighting the problem of climate change, Mr Jamieson also praised the Evening Press-backed Planet York project, which aims to draw attention to the effects of climate change at local level.

"I visited the scheme (A64 reconstruction) back in the summer. It's the result of a campaign for investment," he said.

"Unfortunately, while the work is being carried out, there are going to be some inconveniences.

"But I will be asking the Highways Agency to see if there are any ways to minimise the impact.

"There is a greater good, but we can't ignore the problems in the short term. We have to do what we can."

On PlanetYork, he said: "There are a lot of good initiatives in York, but what we are really trying to do is bring together a lot of partners and start working on solutions (to climate change).

"There is a clear approach here to develop a centre of excellence. I am looking forward to seeing these plans become a reality.

"With last year's floods, York has learned about climate change more than anywhere else in the country."

Updated: 14:49 Monday, November 26, 2001