COUNCIL chiefs in York have been attacked for "failing to consult local people", after a second homeless row erupted in the city.

Guildhall councillor Brian Watson attacked the city council's ruling Liberal Democrat executive, after details emerged of plans to relocate the Peasholme Centre for the homeless from Hungate.

As The Press revealed on Saturday, two possible new sites have been recommended to the executive by officers: the Fishergate Centre in Fishergate and the Monk Bar Garage in Lord Mayor's Walk.

The latter site is in Coun Watson's ward - only a few hundred yards from the Union Terrace car park, which was recently chosen as the new location for the Arc Light Centre for the homeless.

Coun Watson said the Peasholme Centre did not cause him any great concern, but having two homeless centres so close together would put unfair pressure on his constituents.

He blasted City of York Council bosses for failing to consult local residents, councillors and businesses in advance of the shortlist being unveiled.

The officers' report to the executive says that local residents, businesses and community groups should be consulted - after the shortlist has been agreed.

But Coun Watson said this was not good enough. "I am not happy about the consultation. I do not think anybody has heard about this. The council have got to get their act together and have consultation with people."

Coun Watson's comments came on the back of complaints from Fishergate councillor Mark Hill, and Gary Miller, the landlord of the Mason's Arms, which is next door to the Fishergate Centre, who only learned that building was being considered as a site when they were contacted by The Press.

Dave Nicholson, who helped spearhead the successful campaign against the relocation of Arc Light to the former Shipton Street School, also hit out at the council for not consulting people properly.

Coun Watson praised the work of the Peasholme Centre, which helps rehouse people who have become homeless.

But he said: "On the back of Arc Light, people will have a lot of concern about it, so the council have got to go out and consult with people. They cannot go rough-riding over everybody."

Coun Watson said that of the two proposed sites, he thought the Fishergate Centre would be more suitable for the Peasholme Centre, rather than having both it and Arc Light in the same ward.

Council leader Steve Galloway said the council executive would comment after considering the officers' report a week tomorrow.

Updated: 10:15 Monday, May 22, 2006