CONTROVERSIAL plans to slash spaces at a car park in York to make room for a college expansion will be put into action next week.

Union Terrace car park will lose more than half its existing spaces so a new coach park and toilet facilities can be built.

It means that the existing coach park in Clarence Street, opposite the car park, can close, allowing neighbouring York St John College to implement expansion plans on the site.

Work starts on Monday and is expected to last for between eight and ten weeks.

The plans have angered nearby traders who fear that the loss of car parking facilities will lead to a drop in trade.

But City of York Council has argued that there are enough spaces within the city, including those at Park and Ride sites, to cope with the redistribution.

Peter Evely, head of highway regulation at City of York Council, said that the plans also aimed to reduce the traffic along Clarence Street, Lord Mayor's Walk and Gillygate, much of which is travelling to and from the Union Terrace car park.

He said: "It makes sense to reduce the traffic. We have got a large car park nearby at Foss Bank which is underused and it's quite easy to get to.

"There will be permanent signs up to direct people there, and depending which way you come into the city you don't have to use the Gillygate area."

Residents and visitors are being asked to use alternative facilities. Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride now has 250 extra spaces ready for an increase in demand.

Dan Johnson, the council's Travelwise officer, said: "Anyone concerned about travelling into York can get information on Park and Ride or bus times and routes from the council's Bus Info service on 01904 551400 or for car park locations visit www.york.gov.uk or phone the Tourist Information Centre on 01904 621756."

The current 476 capacity car park at Union Terrace will be reduced to 218 spaces. Different sections of the car park will be closed at different times as the work is completed, although there will always be some spaces available to cars. The work will not affect surrounding roads.

Updated: 11:18 Saturday, January 12, 2002