PLANS for a new community stadium to house York City FC and York City Knights at Monks Cross in Huntington went on show to the public yesterday.

Richard France, of Oakgate, the developers of the scheme, which also include a new Marks & Spencer store, said they had received a lot of positive feedback and been encouraged by the turnout, with about 100 people attending before lunchtime. He said: “The main concern this morning has been how people get to the stadium, and about the stadium itself and how it could expand.”

Patrick and Tena Rogan, of Bradfield Park Drive, Huntington, said they had attended the consultation to find out exactly where the stadium would be and how traffic and parking would be managed.

Mrs Rogan said: “Basically, I think it’s a good idea. The only concern we had was the traffic.”

She said when there was a big Knights match at the current Huntington stadium, fans already parked on their street, which was home mainly to pensioners, although the existing stadium posed no great problem.

But she said they were also concerned about hooliganism and fans parking on residential streets if adequate parking was not provided at the proposed new ground.

Mr Rogan said: “There are other stadiums which are really brilliantly policed. If it works the way they say it’s going to work, it will be good. He said: “I’m pleased at last they’ve made up their mind to do something. It’s awful the way jobs are going and I’m all for anything that will encourage more jobs.”

Pat Brighton, also of Huntington, thought the new site would be ideal. “It is next to the Park&Ride and next to the ring road. The ring road will be busier, but it’s always busy anyway.

“I’m glad it’s not too near the housing either. I live within hearing distance and will see the lights, but I’d rather see that than have the stadium in a built up area.”

The public consultation will continue in the Hilton Hotel in, York, today from 10am to 3pm.