City of York Council has made a positive move in the battle to save York City.

They have arranged a meeting with key local businessmen and representatives of the Save City Committee on Wednesday.

The council have been approached by about half a dozen local business people who are interested in helping the club survive.

Some may have the capital to mount an individual bid for the club and Bootham Crescent ground which has a £4.5million price tag. Others are keen to put together a joint bid.

Some of the business approaches were made directly to the council's chief executive, David Atkinson.

News of the move was broken at the first meeting of the Save City Committee at the Evening Press offices in Walmgate by Charlie Croft, the council's assistant director of leisure.

He also offered free use of the Barbican for the Save City Committee's next public meeting - which is likely to be at the beginning of February - and the use of council offices facilities and administration support.

"We would like to help in any way we can and think it would be of great benefit to get the various interested parties in the same room with a group from the Save City Committee," said Croft.

Coun Alan Jones, executive member of the leisure and heritage committee is likely to attend along with Russell Greenfield, vice-chairman of York Wasps Rugby League Club whose Huntington Stadium ground has been mooted as a possible future home for the club should Bootham Crescent be sold.

The Evening Press, sponsors of the club who initially launched the campaign, have also been invited to attend Wednesday's private meeting.

It is not clear if any of the parties include the two who are already having talks with City chairman Douglas Craig.

Croft said that he was impressed by the way the Save City Committee, who aim to set up a Supporters Trust to run the club, were quickly getting themselves organised.

He said: "I am very impressed with the credibility of the group. I think they are a credible organisation with energy, creativity and a high level of relevant skills and drive."

City president John Greenway, the Ryedale MP and Shadow Minister for Sport, has also offered his assistance.

"I will support in any way I can. I am backing their proposal. I think the next two or three days will be critical for them to show that they will be able to mount a sensible bid."

The deadline for parties interested in taking over the club is noon on Thursday.

A spokesman for the committee said: "Following the tremendous response received at Monday evening's public meeting we, the working party of the Save City Committee promise to work towards the immediate creation of a York City Supporters Trust, to ensure the continuation of professional football in York and secure representation for supporters in the future ownership and running of York City Football Club."

The spokesman added: "We are delighted that City of York Council has shown such commitment and support for the Save City campaign. The facilities which they have made available will be of tremendous help towards creating the Trust and will prove invaluable."

Various sub-groups were set up to look at formation of the Trust, marketing, fund-raising, contacting business, publicity as well as tackling the whole issue of the Bootham Crescent ground's future.

Dave Boyle, of Supporters' Direct, who are offering the Save City Committee their assistance, is hoping to base himself in York for the next fortnight and work from one of the council offices.

The SCC will be able to tap into the Supporters' Direct database and use their experience of setting up Supporters' Trusts at other clubs.

The sub-group of the SCC set up to look into seting up a Trust will meet before tomorrow night's FA Cup third round replay game against Grimsby Town.

Updated: 11:33 Monday, January 14, 2002