York residents are being asked to let ideas for the use of the city's rivers flow, in a meeting organised by City of York Council's leisure scrutiny board.

The 'drop-in' meeting, which will be held on Monday, January 27, 2003 between 2.30pm and 6.00pm, will allow interested parties to put forward their views on how the Ouse, Foss and Derwent can be best used for leisure purposes, and how existing facilities can be improved.

Issues include improving pedestrian access to the rivers, maintenance and investment in the river banks and recreation requirements. The scrutiny board are also looking for ideas on possible events and activities linked to the rivers.

Helen Christmas, senior scrutiny officer, City of York Council, said: "The leisure scrutiny board is keen to collect as many views as possible from residents and users of the river and river banks. As part of the consultation process, we have invited a number of interested parties, including rowing clubs, arts organisations, anglers, community groups, commerical interests and the Environment Agency, to put forward their views.

"The rivers have been an integral part of the city since its formation, and it is vital that we make the most of such an important asset."

Feedback from the meeting will be discussed by the seven cross-party members of the leisure scrutiny board, chaired by Councillor Madeleine Kirk, on Wednesday, February 26 and Wednesday, March 26, 2003.