A petition launched against plans to close a main route into York city centre while flood barrier work is carried out racked up more than 200 signatures in a few hours.
Part of Terry Avenue near Rowntree Park would be shut to cyclists as part of the Environment Agency’s 18-month flood alleviation construction programme in Clementhorpe.
But construction traffic would be routed along Terry Avenue, on what is now a cycle and pedestrian byway.
Cycle campaigners say closing the route for that length of time would be “equivalent to closing Fulford Road” because it is a key link to the city centre for pedestrians and cyclists.
And residents have complained the plan is “intolerable” and “incredibly dangerous”.
Not enough thought
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We totally support the need for flood defences but we don’t feel there’s been enough thought put into alternative access arrangements and whether the path does have to be closed.
It affects York city-wide, it’s an absolutely key transport link.
On the alternative route we are being directed towards you are thrown out onto the Fishergate gyratory and Skeldergate Bridge – those do not feel safe to many people.
We are asking the Environment Agency to think again and come up with something that’s less disruptive.
She added that many people were “shocked and horrified” to hear the route is due to close.
‘Proposals are farcical’
A number of residents have already objected to the traffic plan. Comments include…
pedestrians and cyclists since the dividing line was removed on New Walk and the extra traffic would make it more dangerous.
Steiner School across the bridge. Even now that road is difficult to cross at key times. Adding construction traffic, access for deliveries to the hotel, caravan club and park traffic will make this road even more problematic.
‘Most viable’ choice
A traffic plan prepared by the organisation as part of the planning application says shutting the route could create “a significant level of disruption” and the cycle route should be diverted across Millennium Bridge on to the other side of the river “totally clear of the area”.
The Environment Agency spokesman said Clementhorpe and Terry Avenue are at high risk of flooding and, as access is limited, Butcher Terrace was chosen as the “most viable” route for works vehicles.
He added:
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An allocation of funding to York following the flooding of winter 2015 has given us a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to deliver a flood alleviation scheme in Clementhorpe and it remains a priority.
Our aim is to better protect Clementhorpe, one of the city’s few undefended communities, from its existing flood risk and the future implications of climate change.
We will continue to work with City of York Council’s highways department, and listen to the views of local groups and residents to ensure our work causes the least disruption possible, as well as minimising environmental impact.
Micklegate councillor Jonny Crawshaw added: “Any major building work will always have a negative impact during the period of construction and I completely understand the distress this can cause.
“I remain very keen to ensure that the Clementhorpe community is protected from flooding and at the same time we must ensure that cyclists and pedestrians have a safe and easy route into town.”
He said the cycle route around Skeldergate Bridge is “inadequate” and hopes there will be ways to improve the current diversion plan as well as permanently upgrading the route for cyclists.
All the planning application documents are online here.