IT is unacceptable that the National Railway Museum is looking to disregard the local community in its quest for further development.

The museum’s attempts to cut off Leeman Road by building across it should not be allowed to proceed.

Frankly the NRM has been arrogant to this point, going as far as to claim that the road cuts it in half. This is absurd, as the road existed long before the museum.

The solution to allow pedestrians through the new gallery during opening hours is no solution at all.

A key concern for the local community is that this extends the journey into town, which will no doubt disproportionately impact elderly and disabled residents. There is a second concern over safety.

The proposed detour will take residents either along the darkened river path, or through a proposed new park.

It is unreasonable for the NRM to expect residents to reduce their own safety as they make their way home on a dark mid-winter evening. Thank goodness that residents are standing up to them.

It’s all well and good the NRM having a couple more PR-purpose consultations, but if they don’t respond meaningfully the campaign can only become more energised.

David Heaton,

St Paul’s Terrace,

Holgate, York