THERE is a distinct feeling of déjà vu about the latest revelations over the cost of a new cycle lane from Haxby to Clifton Moor. The lane was originally supposed to cost £700,000, and should have been opened by July.

Then the cost rose twice – and now transport bosses in York have agreed to pay another £350,000 after it emerged more work will be needed. The cycle lane will not now be finished until late this year, and the cost will be more than £1.3 million.

The city council has form on this kind of thing.

A few years ago, more than £500,000 was spent on ‘improving’ the Water End/ Clifton Green junction for cyclists. Spending on the junction was a whopping £240,000 over budget – and to add insult to injury, the car lane was later reinstated at a further cost of £12,000.

We fully support the authority’s ambition to create a network of safe cycle routes criss-crossing the city. But the endless tinkering and constant overspending is simply unacceptable at a time when public finances are desperately tight.