THE running track at the University of York would not be suitable to house Nestl Rowntree Athletic Club in its current state.

Colin Smith, director of sport at the university, said in the Evening Press last week that he believed it would be possible for the running track at Huntington Stadium to be relocated to the campus.

But the athletics club, who face the prospect of becoming homeless under York City FC's plans to move from Bootham Crescent to Huntington Stadium, reckon the university site won't be able to meet their needs.

Ian Wilcock, NRAC vice-chairman said: "We have not approached York University, as we do not see that it is our place to do so.

"Furthermore, we are perfectly happy at Huntington Stadium - a facility built by Ryedale District Council with financial help assistance from Sport England, Nestl Rowntree plc, York RL, together with York Acorn Athletics Club, Knavesmire Harriers and ourselves among others.

"We see ourselves as innocent parties to the problems of York City and feel that City of York Council is the only party in the position to approach the university.

"It would have been nice to be consulted before our future is decided by third parties."

He said that the university track could not be compared with the synthetic all-weather track at Huntington Stadium.

"The track at the university has a loose shale-type surface - when it rains it turns to slurry and when it doesn't it's too hard. Also, the university track is not marked for lanes or hurdle positions," said Wilcock.

He added: "The university grounds are open to the general public - we agree with this in principle - but there is a health and safety issue with regard to throwing in the area behind the sports hall.

"The idea that you can allow hammer or javelin throwing while people are walking their dogs is clearly a non-starter - an area would have to be fenced off.

"To put this into perspective, a senior men's hammer weighs 16lbs and may be travelling in excess of 100 mph when released.

"Because of the presence of the all-weather pitches and the associated fencing it would not be possible to hold meetings at the university - as the timekeepers will not be able to see the starter."

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, April 24, 2003