YORK MP Hugh Bayley today said it would be "a scandal" if York City was "forced out" of Bootham Crescent before it had found a new home.

Mr Bayley, revealing he had teamed up with York City fans to oppose plans to redevelop the ground, has urged former chairman Douglas Craig to "be patient".

He said he had written to City of York Council chiefs expressing concerns that moves by Persimmon Homes to build 93 houses on Bootham Crescent should not be granted "before an alternative stadium has been agreed".

Mr Bayley fears that if permission to build the houses is granted before York City has a new stadium, they could end up with nowhere to play - leading to the club's demise.

His objections join those of the York City Supporters' Trust and the official supporters' club, who have also lodged complaints at Persimmon's plans.

Mr Bayley said: "I know that Douglas Craig wants the best price possible for the Bootham Crescent ground, but he must be patient.

"It would be a scandal if a former York City chairman forced the club out of Bootham Crescent before they have somewhere else to go.

"The development of Bootham Crescent must move in tandem with the development of a new stadium for the club."

But current city chairman John Batchelor said opposition to the Persimmon plan "essentially shoots the club in the foot".

He said the club needed Persimmon to get planning permission so it could buy the ground from its owners, Bootham Crescent Holdings.

"The ground is worth £400,000 without planning consent. The ground needs to acquire planning permission if we are going to buy it," he said.

"If you don't get planning permission then the ground is not worth anything. The holding company is not likely to accept £400,000, if it is worth £4 million with planning permission."

Mr Craig did not wish to comment on Mr Bayley's remark.

Updated: 11:51 Wednesday, November 06, 2002