Famous railwayman George Leeman ‘joins the protest’ against NRM plans

This striking photograph is the latest way protesters against the National Railway Museum’s controversial expansion plans are making their voice heard.

Plans for a new Central Hall to link the two sides of the museum, closing Leeman Road, have been approved by City of York Council.

This is despite significant concerns about access for locals through the building.

York heritage campaigner and former city councillor Johnny Hayes posted the image of the George Leeman statue overlooking Station Rise.

It has been Photoshopped to show him carrying a banner with the words: “NRM Think Again”.

George Leeman was a railwayman and York MP in Victorian times.

Under the NRM plans, limited access through the new museum would be granted for residents walking or cycling to and from the Leeman Road area to the city centre.

A crowdfunding campaign for a legal challenge to the council’s approval of the scheme has reached nearly £7,000 of its £30,000 target, with two weeks to go.

Johnny said: “Many of the residents on Leeman Road feel that the National Railway Museum (NRM) should think again about the design of their extension over Leeman Road and provide a dedicated pathway for pedestrians, disabled people and cyclists.

“City of York Council has put the commercial interests of the NRM over the concerns of residents according to the Government Inspector’s conclusions in the Leeman Road Stopping up decision.

“The alternate pathways are either very much longer or along the riverside path which is far from ideal on dark nights.”

We have contacted the NRM for a response to previous stories about the protests, but it has declined to comment.