YORK’S council leader has vowed to end “secrecy and uncertainty” over the city’s community stadium project.

Coun James Alexander, who became leader after Labour’s victory at last month’s local elections, and City of York Council’s cabinet member for leisure, Coun Sonja Crisp, have held their first meetings since the election with project manager Tim Atkins and city strategy director Bill Woolley.

Monks Cross has been selected as the site for a new 6,000-seat stadium for York City FC and York City Knights, but the scheme has been dogged by delays.

“There has been a great deal of secrecy and uncertainty surrounding the planned stadium, which will end under Labour’s leadership of the council as we move forward with the plans,” said Coun Alexander.

“We have met with Tim Atkins and Bill Woolley to let them know a sports stadium for both the football and rugby clubs is a priority for us.”

Coun Crisp said she wanted to see progress made “quickly” towards a full planning application being submitted.