A PETITION has been launched against plans to close one of the main river bridges in the region’s tourist capital.

The Labour-run council in York wants to close Lendal Bridge between 10.30am and 5pm every day for a six month trial period.

The authority claims it would make the city more appealing to pedestrians and help speed up public transport.

But local Conservatives are against the scheme and have launched a petition calling on the council for a rethink to stop the “ensuing gridlock in York.

They say the bridge’s closure would have a dire effect on pollution, traffic and business in York, with motorists forced to use three already busy and congested bridges over the Ouse – the Clifton, Ouse and Skeldergate Bridges.