CAMPING plans for the Tour de France in York have faced fresh criticism after councillors called for answers over plans for the Millennium Bridge site.

The council has announced it is to hold another information session next week to allay residents’ concerns after Fishergate ward representatives Andy D’Agorne and Dave Taylor put in an urgent request, saying many were woefully uninformed about the plans, and warning that an error on the council website could send dozens of campers to a narrow residential street half a mile away from the campsite.

Cllrs D’Agorne and Taylor have pointed out that the postcode originally given to help visitors using sat nav find the site would in fact have sent people to Millennium Bridge Terrace, on Carey Street, off Fulford Road. The error has now been corrected, but the councillors say it could have been avoided altogether if officials had consulted either them or local people who know the area.

The councillors also claim many people who live in streets near the bridge do not know where camping will take place, and many more are confused about the arrangements.

Cllr Andy D’Agorne said: “I have asked for temporary parking restrictions on Maple Grove over the weekend to ensure safe emergency access and a temporary roadway across the field to ensure vehicles coming onto the site are segregated safely from walkers and cyclists and to minimise damage to the ground.” The council has now confirmed that 80 pitches have been booked near Maple Grove on the east of the river, with a total capacity of 130, and announced it is to hold an information session for residents on Monday, June 23, from 6pm at the Maple Grove entrance, and issue more detailed information on the plans.

Sally Burns, of City of York Council, said: “A Micklegate Ward event was held about the Grand Départ followed by a drop-in information session on 10 April at Rowntree Park Reading Café which included information on camping. We completely recognise the need for updated information to be shared and so will be holding another session.”