A VISION of York 20 years from now is being created by the city's most influential community groups.

The project, called Without Walls, will draw up a plan for York's future and will set out steps needed to achieve the vision.

A conference of potential partners will be held at the end of this month, with more than 100 city organisations invited to take part.

Andy Milson, managing partner of local company Stone Soup, which came up with the name, said: "York without its ancient walls is unthinkable, but perhaps there are other types of wall which do need to be challenged in planning for our future.

"If the name intrigues people and makes them want to find out more, it will have done its job. It's about fresh thinking."

City of York Council leader Dave Merrett is chairman of a board which is setting up Without Walls.

He said: "We will use a variety of means to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute to this debate.

"We will be running focus groups in specific areas, using ward committees and council publications and setting up a dedicated website."

The emphasis of Without Walls, which was provisionally called the Local Strategic Partnership, is to create a vision based on what the community wants.

Coun Merrett said: "Everyone in York can have their say, and I hope they will want to do so because this debate is about the very nature of our city in 20 years.

"Decisions about this cannot, and will not, be taken behind closed doors. We want to hear what the people of York think."

Updated: 09:36 Friday, November 15, 2002