A PROUD vision for York as a community where people can thrive among a rich and diverse culture in a prosperous modern city has been unveiled at a special conference.

The Without Walls partnership revealed the brief for the future shape of York for the next two decades and spoke of its aspirations for the city.

Members of the strategic body's executive board painted a colourful picture of York as a home to confident, creative communities and a city at the cutting edge of innovation and change.

An audience of almost 100 people heard how it could be a leading environmentally-friendly city and a world-class centre for education and learning for all.

Dozens of people from community groups, led by the York Youth Parliament, marched to the Barbican Centre from the Mansion House to highlight the landmark conference.

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said the group wanted to work towards a vision that "achieves major aspirations for the majority of York residents".

He said: "It is a vision that recognises the need to reduce inequalities, but, most importantly, puts people at the core of the values that underpin this vision."

He said there would "inevitably be compromise" as the full vision was realised, and added that innovations and unexpected social change could create further opportunities.

The process to create a blueprint for the future of the city will continue into the winter and organisers hope to have a summary of the final version delivered to every home in January.

Before then residents will have the opportunity to further shape the aims and actions of the plan through ward committee meetings and feedback polls.

Seven speakers laid out their hopes and ambitions for the city in the areas of culture, crime, learning, the economy, health, opportunities for all and the environment.

Sir Ron Cooke, of the York Economic Development Committee, said he wanted to see "sensible development in a flourishing economy".

Chief Superintendent John Lacy, of York Police, called for work to create closer communities where "criminals cannot thrive in anonymity".

Liz Page, publisher of York & County Press, which produces the Evening Press, said a successful community would offer opportunities for "fun and fulfilment" for all.

The full Without Walls vision aims to make its mark by:

Building confident, creative communities

Being a leading environmentally friendly city

Being at the forefront of innovation and change

Being a world-class centre for education and learning for all

Celebrating a historic past while creating a successful and thriving future.

Updated: 10:58 Thursday, September 25, 2003