AS the executive member for economic development, I was pleased to attend the council scrutiny meeting this week to discuss transport options for York Central.

Since taking power last May, we have made significant progress on York Central by working in partnership with Network Rail, the National Railway Museum (NRM) and the Homes and Communities Agency.

In our consultation early this year, 79 per cent of residents backed our key principles for the site which include new homes and jobs, improved rail and transport links, and enhancing the already-excellent NRM.

Liberal Democrats are clear that the potential for York Central to be a game-changing development for the city is obvious; however, a key issue will be access into the site.

After negotiating funding through the West Yorkshire Transport Fund, we now need to work with local residents on the options.

As the scrutiny meeting recommended, we need ongoing engagement and consultation on the transport plans, paying particular regard to those residents in the Holgate area most closely affected by the potential development.

The paper that goes to our executive meeting next month will outline initial details on this and the wider consultation plans.

As readers will know, York Central has sat empty for far too long. Recent progress means we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver the development. We must now work hand-in-hand with local residents to grasp this.

Cllr Keith Aspden (Liberal Democrat), Deputy council leader and executive member for economic development and community engagement, Heath Moor Drive, Fulford, York