THE people of York have spoken on the question of access to York Central - and what they have had to say could hardly be clearer. Almost 650 people altogether attended the various consultation events at the end of summer over which of three proposed access routes - one from Holgate, and two from Water End - would be most appropriate. And they have overwhelmingly rejected the Holgate Road option.

More than half of the 619 official responses opposed driving the new access road past homes in Holgate and through Holgate Community Garden. The loss of the community garden and the increase in traffic pollution were the main reasons given.

The most popular of the three options - or perhaps that should be the least unpopular - was the northern of the two proposed routes from Water End, which would largely bypass Millennium Green. This was preferred by 196 respondents, compared to 116 in favour of the second Water End route, which would go through Millennium Green.

None of these findings are surprising. The northern Water End route, which is most popular, is also by far the most expensive. The Holgate Road route, by contrast, would be by some way the cheapest.

As we have said repeatedly, however, the choice of route shouldn’t just be determined by cost. The impact of congestion, pollution, air quality and health are vital considerations which must weigh heavily.

The views of ordinary York people must also be taken into account. They have spoken. We wait now to see whether they will be listened to.