THE long-awaited redevelopment of an eyesore piece of land in Clifton, York, has moved a step closer - and local residents are being asked to say what they would like to see built there.

New homes could be built on the Crichton Avenue site of the former Imperial Hotel, which burned down in the early 1990s.

But people living nearby can soon meet landowners Harrison Construction, the Tees Valley Housing Association - who would let any new homes built there - and City of York Council to tell them what they would like to see.

Spokeswoman for Harrisons, Karen Tinkler, said: "A display containing proposals for the residential scheme will be on show, and a questionnaire to gather local people's views will be distributed.

"It will be a fairly informal set up. We would like as many people as possible to come along and tell us what they think."

The land, opposite the shops in Crichton Avenue, has been unoccupied since the pub burned down. Since then there have been regular complaints about groups of youths gathering there and harassing passers by.

Car thieves also dump and burn out vehicles there, and nearby business owners have complained about potential customers being put off. This has led to regular calls for redevelopment from both the Clifton Residents' Association and the police.

Doug Cook, a Clifton Residents' Association committee member, said: "Everyone here is looking forward to the day work begins to redevelop that land."

Staff will be on site to talk to local residents this Saturday, between 10am and 3pm.

Updated: 11:29 Wednesday, September 05, 2001