A ROW is brewing in a York village over plans to close a railway crossing and move access to a more isolated spot that locals do not want.

Network Rail staff are planning to close a pedestrian and farm vehicle level crossing at Bishopthorpe Crossing, near Farmers Way at the north end of Copmanthorpe, and are proposing a replacement footbridge further north at Beckett's Crossing at the end of Yorkfield Lane.

The plans have provoked dismay from local people and councillors, who say a better plan would be to put a crossing near the village centre where it would be more useful for residents.

They are also angry that residents and parish councillors heard the details last summer, after Network Rail had already submitted formal plans for Beckett's Crossing.

Residents, parish councillors, and the City of York Council ward councillor are now asking Network Rail for a rethink.

Cllr David Carr said: "Beckett's Crossing will only be used by people on the long distance Ebor Way - maybe 20 people a week.

"If they put a bridge where we want it - near the recreation centre - it would be used by around one third of the village. It's a much stronger value for money case."

A new bridge or underpass near the recreation centre would join the currently isolated Temple Lane and Drome Road area to the rest of the village, he added, and would be a much more sustainable location even though it would cost more to construct.

Network Rail representatives have said the organisation is still considering all options, and said that planning notices had been submitted early in order to save time in the long run and get the ball rolling and should not be seen as a fait accompli.

A spokesman added: "We continue discussions with the parish council and elected members in Copmanthorpe and are still considering all available options. We plan to provide an further update in the coming weeks."

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy has backed the village's calls, saying he shares the disappointment over Network Rail's plans. He added: "The local parish and ward councillors had put forward a much more sensible proposal for a disabled access bridge at the recreation fields in the heart of the village and in my opinion this scheme would have achieved much greater support from local residents."