‘This is why we’ve installed so many bollards’ – York council leader responds to criticism

The installation of dozens of bollards as part of an upgrade to a key York shopping street has been defended by a council leader.

Many Acomb residents have expressed their dismay at the work to improve Front Street, with one saying all the bollards make it “looks like a military no-go zone”.

The £395K Front Street project began on 23 January and is set to last four months.

It aims “to improve footfall and experience, by improving public space and its accessibility”.

However, the work so far has “created a hostile atmosphere“, according to the leader of the Labour Group Claire Douglas.

Now Liberal Democrat Cllr Andrew Waller, who was part of the ruling City of York Council executive which approved the Front Street plan, has responded to these concerns.

He told YorkMix: “Whilst we appreciate the concerns and comments over the new protection measures, it’s important that the newly refurbished pavements are protected from damage from vehicles that would cause the pavement to deteriorate causing dangerous tripping hazards and highways engineers had set out this approach.

“The works to improve the state of the pavements is stage one of several stages for the improvement works on Acomb Front street to enhance the area for the benefit of residents and businesses.

“The works in this first stage are still in progress, with new replacement cycle racks set to also be installed to support active travel in the area.

“The ideas collected as part of previous engagement work will be used as the basis for the next stages of improvements.

“There will be further public consultation during June and July, which will cover the additional features requested by residents and businesses to attract people to the area and will also include the results from the consultation into the improvements of Acomb Explore.

“We look forward to working with residents and businesses to deliver future improvements with council officers in Acomb Front Street in the next stages over future years.”