York City promotion bus parade plans in doubt
Club are told their plans are not detailed enough to guarantee a safe event at short notice.
York City were crowned National League champions with 108 points [Getty Images] York City FC's promotion parade plans have been thrown into doubt after police raised safety concerns. Both City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police have confirmed proposals for a bus parade on Tuesday have been rejected due to time constraints around preparation. A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Unfortunately, critical elements of the plan are unclear, with a significant lack of detail, and unresolved safety concerns.
Given the short timescale, we believe the plan is not fit for purpose for a proposed event tomorrow. " York City have been approached for comment. Julie-Anne Uggla, co-chair of the club told York Press that the decision was "upsetting" and that they had spent days working on the parade plans.
On Saturday, the Minstermen sealed promotion back to the Football League with a 1-1 draw at title rivals Rochdale with a last-gasp goal that made headlines across the country. 'Find a solution' Luke Charters, York Outer MP, expressed "deep disappointment" at the news. The Labour politician said rather than a parade on land, he had spoken with City Cruises, who run boats on the Ouse, and they "would be more than happy to host an open-top boat parade".
"Now is not the time for buck-passing or shirking responsibility. Everyone in York with the ability to make this happen must come together to find a solution," he added. David Skaith, the elected Labour mayor for the region said he was "reaching out to all partners to try a find solution that gives the club and these supporters the celebration they so richly deserve".