YORK residents fighting to get a small community area registered as a village green to protect it against development have suffered a setback.

City of York Council has lodged a last-minute objection against a move that would preserve the public space at Fulford Cross, and a public inquiry is now expected.

Households that surround the small grassy area claim that it is a safe area for children to play and provides a community space for parties and celebrations.

Fishergate ward councillor Andy D'Agorne has thrown his weight behind their campaign, and has condemned the decision to block the move as "petty". Council bosses have said they will continue to operate the adjacent Fulford Cross School for two years as a pupil referral unit, but the sale of the site for housing is still being considered.

Coun D'Agorne said: "This is a petty action purely to enable the council to keep its options open for possible housing development on this community facility."

Local resident and campaign leader Fiona Johnson said: "Fulford Cross families usually don't move away. It's a unique community and the green is the focus for it.

"We hope council bosses will support, rather than continue to oppose, the wishes of the people it's meant to represent by protecting this local green."

Resident Antje Ramming-Robinson said: "The green has been used by the community for decades. We've had firework displays, organised Easter egg hunts and celebrated Royal jubilees on the green."

Fulford Cross residents made an application for their community green to be registered under the 1965 Commons Registration Act, but the objection means a public inquiry will now be held. The group of 25 homes was created in 1914 by local firm W Birch and Sons, which built 25 cottages for the city's tram workers and their families.

Mrs Johnson is asking former residents to contribute their memories and photographs of the area for evidence at an inquiry. Anyone who can help should phone her on 01904 674503.

Updated: 08:29 Tuesday, May 04, 2004