A SENIOR York councillor has given support to ambitious ideas for a multi-sports facility to be built in the heart of his ward.

Alan Jones, City of York Council's member for Clifton, said he and the council were keen to work closely with Community Association for Recreation and Sport (Clifton) (CARS) over plans for the facility.

He said the proposed site, behind Burton Green School, could be "gifted" to CARS.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, if the facility got the green light it would include all-weather pitches, pitches for football, roller hockey, and basketball, as well as toilets, a changing area, a picnic area and a children's play area.

Coun Jones, who is also the council's executive member for leisure, said: "The land could be gifted to them. It would have to be discussed by the executive, probably the leisure, education and housing executives, but first let's get the consultation done and take things from there."

The land is partly designated for housing, partly for education and is part open space. It is owned by the council.

Coun Jones continued: "The council is keen to work very closely with CARS to bring about the group's dreams in the most effective and efficient way possible.

"They have got a very good chance of making this a success. It would take a lot of money to change what is there at present into what they would like, but before going down that road all residents must be given the opportunity to voice their opinions on it.

"The consultation is very important."

The first stage of consultation was taking place today, with CARS distributing questionnaires about the plans to Clifton residents.

Members of the CARS committee were outside the shops in Crichton Avenue, Clifton, between 10am and 2pm today to discuss the plans.

Updated: 09:39 Saturday, September 14, 2002