A CONTROVERSIAL York cycle path scheme has finally been approved by councillors.

A City of York Council transport committee meeting has approved a project that will link the city's Millennium cycle path, from the Woodthorpe and Acomb areas, to the University.

The Liberal Democrats welcomed the go-ahead which will provide a joint-use cycle and pedestrian path along Tadcaster Road, outside Knavesmire. Coun Ann Reid, Lib Dem transport spokeswoman, said: "This has been a controversial application and we are pleased that a route has finally been agreed.

"Although the ideal solution is segregated cycle paths, in a city like York, environmental and conservation considerations mean that the ideal solution is not always possible.

"It is important that we can offer safe cycling facilities to encourage people to leave their cars at home."

The path has been debated by councillors for more than three years, with campaigners both opposing and praising the scheme.

An anonymous leaflet was delivered through doors claiming the path would destroy "the vista of York's finest avenue of trees" and "allow motorcycles to enter the area".

But those in favour of the scheme argued that it would improve safety in a busy area of the city.

Coun Reid also welcomed a decision to install a pelican crossing on Moor Lane, near the junction with Tadcaster Road roundabout.

She said local residents had campaigned for several years to get the crossing, adding it would be a great improvement for road safety.

Coun Reid said: "There are a lot of shoppers and students who cross at this busy intersection and the signalled junction will reduce the chance of accidents.

"This is the only arm of the roundabout without pedestrian facilities and residents from the Woodthorpe and Dringhouses area will be able to reach the supermarket, York College and the Park & Ride facility in safety."

Updated: 08:46 Tuesday, October 22, 2002