PARENTS in two York villages have come a step closer to success in a long campaign to send their children to the school of their choice.

Dunnington and Elvington parents have been fighting to re-establish the link between their villages and Fulford School, in York.

The two villages were recently moved into the catchment area of Archbishop Holgate's School.

But the Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups have since voted to restore them to Fulford School's catchment area.

After a decision at last night's meeting of City of York Council social services sub-committee, a proposal to restore the link between the two villages and Fulford School will go before full council.

The leaders of both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups voted in favour of a motion restoring the link.

If the motion is approved, the link would be re-established from 2003.

Warnings have been given, however, that unless Fulford School is expanded some pupils living in its catchment may miss out on places in the future.

Speaking at the meeting, Lib Dem leader Steve Galloway said: "This has gone on for a long time. It is an issue that needs to be dealt with once and for all.

"The main points for us are parental choice and the traditional links between Dunnington and Elvington and Fulford School.

"Our view remains that the two villages should be linked to Fulford and that is the option I will propose tonight."

Tory group leader John Galvin agreed, saying: "I support Councillor Galloway and am mindful of two things.

"There is the important traditional link, but I am also acting as advocate for the community of Elvington and am representing their views. They are strongly of the opinion the link should be re-established."

Referring to the possible shortage of places, Labour leader Rod Hills said the issue will have to be faced again in "one or two years' time."

He agreed "it comes down to" parental choice, but said the issue of a possible lack of places in the future has been made quite clear.

"There is no easy solution. But I am conscious of a likely knock-on effect if your motion is carried.

"It means the issue will have to be faced again," Coun Hills said.

Peter Rees Jones, speaking on behalf of the two groups of parents, said: "This has dragged on and on and needs to be brought to a conclusion.

"Yes, this decision has been taken tonight, but we have been here before only for it to be decided that more consultation was required and we were back to square one.

"We won't be celebrating until parents in Dunnington and Elvington have seen their children establish themselves at Fulford School."

Updated: 16:17 Thursday, September 13, 2001