THE National Railway Museum is preparing to decide on how pedestrians and cyclists might best continue to gain access to York city centre when its proposed new Central Gallery is built across Leeman Road.

Museum bosses are analysing the comments given by local residents and others at two open drop-in exhibitions last week and on Saturday, at which it put forward various suggestions.

These included building a tunnel under the gallery or a bridge over it, reached by lifts or ramps, maintaining access through the gallery 24/7, with security staff employed through the night, or sending people on a detour.

The new gallery is part of the York Central redevelopment of land behind York railway station and museum officials say they will reach a decision on their preferred access option before next Wednesday, when an outline application for York Central is due to be submitted to City of York Council.

York Green Party councillor Dave Taylor says members have discussed the museum and decided that the primary consideration in support of the diversion of Leeman Road must be 24-hour access through the museum site.

"It would be unacceptable for the existing residents of the site to be cut off and stranded outside the opening times of the museum," he said.

"A glass passageway through the museum site could offer openings into the museum when it is open and be sealed during closing time," he added.