FOLLOWING pressure from Labour councillors, the Lib-Dems' partial U-turn on converting the redundant Lendal Bridge sub- station into a secure storage space for parking cycles is to be welcomed.

Even more welcome would have been a positive decision to proceed with converting the building for this purpose and overcoming the admitted constraints of the existing structure. And their deferral of a more firm decision for six months could well see them shelving the issue until after next May's local elections.

This must give rise to the suspicion that, in the hopefully unlikely event that they remain the controlling party after that election, they would then revert to their original intention to sell the building off, to help fund their wasteful plans.

A staffed, secure cycle store, close to the city centre, is a much-needed provision for York cycle users and tourists, and would encourage this particular form of green transport, reducing traffic congestion.

Labour councillors will continue to press for full commitment to ensure such a facility is available as soon as possible.

Coun Sandy Fraser (Labour), Micklegate Ward, Millfield Road, York.