A ROW has erupted after an official from a fundraising organisation for a York school launched a stinging attack on its local ward councillor.

Edward Denison, founder and vice-president of the St Peter's School Foundation, said Clifton councillor Ken King was opposing an application to close a public footpath through the school grounds "to bolster his position as local councillor".

Mr Denison's comments were contained in a letter received by City of York Council's executive member for planning and transport advisory panel, which was circulated at its meeting on Wednesday.

St Peter's School is asking for the historic right of way to be closed so it can install a gate to improve security and safety after North Yorkshire Police recorded 45 incidents in the school grounds in the last three years.

But local residents are strongly opposed to the plan and councillors have deferred a decision until they have more information about the incidents.

In his letter, Mr Denison said: "Would he (Coun King) hold the same view if it was a child or grandchild of his who was subjected to an assault in the grounds of the school by a path user?

"As a councillor, is he prepared to accept personal responsibility with his fellow councillors if a serious incident occurred and the council had rejected the unqualified police recommendation for closure?"

Coun King said he was "disappointed" by Mr Denison's comments. "I was elected to represent the people of Clifton and I will do that the best I can. Their views will always come first," he said.

The Foundation is an independent charitable body, set up in 2000 to oversee fundraising for major bursary awards and long-term capital projects.

A St Peter's School spokesman said the letter did not represent the views of the school.

Updated: 10:09 Friday, October 08, 2004