City of York Council has offered to meet with key local businessmen and representatives of the Save City Committee to help the fight to keep York City alive.

A meeting is planned for Wednesday and will include 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.

Charlie Croft, City of York Council's assistant director of leisure, who attended Saturday's first meeting of the Save City Committee at the Evening Press offices in Walmgate said that he was impressed by the way the supporters group were getting themselves on to an organised footing.

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

He revealed that the council were prepared to offer the use of the Barbican free of charge for the group's next public meeting.

The committee met before Saturday's home game with Torquay United,

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."

Various groups were set up to look at formation of the Trust, marketing, fund-raising, contacting business, publicity and the whole issue of the Bootham Crescent ground.

Updated: 14:03 Saturday, January 12, 2002