IT holds the key to keeping York on the move – and now the fight to make one of York’s most crucial transport schemes get off the ground has begun.

The Press is today launching its Get York Moving campaign, calling on residents, businesses and politicians to drive home the case for Government money which will allow the £25 million Access York scheme to become a reality.

The project aims to create three new Park&Ride sites to prevent the city’s historic centre becoming choked by congestion. It would also provide swifter and greener transport links and inject vital cash into York’s economy by attracting businesses and investment.

But its future now lies in the Department for Transport’s hands after a £23 million grant expected by City of York Council was snatched away.

Now the city must fight with 21 other projects for its share of a £600 million pot. A decision may not be made until the end of next year, but the message that York deserves to be among the winners is being sent out now.

We want you to show your support for Access York and the prosperity and benefits it can bring the city by signing our online petition, which we will present to Transport Secretary Philip Hammond to back our bid.

The campaign has already won cross-party political support. Council leader Andrew Waller said: “Park&Ride, which diverts a million cars a year away from the city centre, is a successful scheme which has proven its worth.

“York is going to generate employment through major developments, but to do that we need to get people moving. Access York will mean a successful, flourishing economy, rapid transport links and a benefit to everybody from tackling congestion. I would urge everybody to support Get York Moving.”

Coun James Alexander, who leads the authority’s Labour group, said: “People and businesses are suffering because of York’s chronic congestion problems and this campaign has my full backing.

“I want to work with the leaders of other political parties, interested groups, businesses and the media to make these schemes a reality once again.”

Conservative leader Coun Ian Gillies said: “Access York is our top priority and we have to sharpen our pencils and produce a tangible case which reaches the top of the Government’s priority list.

“We are the UK’s third most-visited city, with more than seven million visitors a year, but we need facilities and, for those, we need the money. I will be fighting York’s case and I hope all political leaders, MPs, residents and businesses will do the same.”

Coun Andy D’Agorne, who leads the council’s Green group, said: “If we don’t maintain the momentum on sustainable transport, we will slip backwards and the city will grind to a halt, so I certainly support The Press campaign.”

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