PLANS for caravan sites to allow York visitors to view the Tour de France this year are in doubt after the organisers pulled out this week.

City of York Council asked The Caravan Club in March to begin work on developing pop-up campsites for the Tour de France this summer.

The club, which has about a million members and was founded in 1907, helped design plans for temporary campsites in Monk Stray, but the plans were met with criticism from some locals and councillors.

Yesterday the Caravan Club announced it would no longer be working with the authority on the project.

In a statement, a spokesman said: “The Caravan Club takes great pride in developing strong relationships with third parties; landowners and residents alike.

“In light of local opposition to the pop-up campsites, regrettably, The Caravan Club does not feel it would be appropriate to manage the sites under its exempted status or, therefore, to enter into an agreement with City of York Council to provide these facilities. The Caravan Club enjoys working with the City of York Council and hopes that visitors to the Tour de France will be able to find suitable accommodation to meet their needs during this landmark sporting event.”

Sally Burns, director of communities and neighbourhoods from City of York Council, said: “We continue to hold discussions with The Caravan Club regarding their involvement as one element of our camping and caravanning arrangements for the Tour de France weekend, in partnership with the council.

“I would like to reassure customers who have booked with us that their booking remains in place, and we look forward to welcoming them to the city to join us in celebrating the incredible sporting and community event that is the Tour de France.”

A meeting will be held by the council on Tuesday to discuss the plans for the Tour de France, at Christ Church, Stockton Lane, from 6pm–8pm.