THE sudden closure of a cycle track across a York housing development has been blasted by a councillor.

Osbaldwick councillor Mark Warters said the track closure on the Derwenthorpe site had forced children cycling to Archbishop Holgate School and commuters pedalling to work to take a diversion along a muddy public right of way.

He claimed there had been no prior warning to cyclists or the parish council, and no attempt had been made to provide a suitable diversionary route.

He claimed the public right of way was a ‘rural recreational path’ and totally unsuitable for cyclists, and it was also likely to be flooded in winter.

“The public right of way should remain as a rural, informal walking route,” he said. “I do hope attempts are not made to compromise it by hacking back hedgerows and urbanising the route by paving it.”

Cllr Warters said the problem was exacerbated by the closure of another route across the Burnholme School site, and suggested works should cease until this was brought back into use.

He accused the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT), the organisation behind the 450-home Derwenthorpe scheme, of demonstrating ‘complete contempt’ for residents who relied on the route.

A trust deputy director, Joel Owen, said that following the recent commencement of the Rowntree Quarter at Derwenwthorpe, David Wilson Homes (DWH) had temporarily closed the cycle path linking Meadlands to Metcalfe Lane, ‘due to the construction of the new affordable homes and upgrade and layout changes to the existing cycle track’.

He said: “During this time, local residents are being encouraged to use the adjacent Public Right of Way, and following feedback, JRHT, DWH and City of York Council are working in partnership to ensure the temporary access can be improved and made more accessible, which will reduce any short term disruption to local families and residents whom regularly use this route.”

A council spokeswoman said landowners or developers would need to seek permission from the authority for a diversion, adding: “We can confirm that a temporary closure is in place and we understand they are bringing this temporary diversion route up to a more suitable standard.”