Support has been offered to businesses hit by the bollards installation work – as it emerged the work won’t be finished till after Christmas.
Both the York BID (Business Improvement District) and the Federation of Small Businesses have lobbied City of York Council for more help for traders hit by the major disruption.
And today the three organisations have come together to promote those streets hit by the installation of the anti-terror bollards – and to remind everyone that they are open for business.
YorkMix has reported how independent traders on Goodramgate were being forced to close after being hidden from view by the hoardings around the construction work.
A family run café closed on Lendal because business ground to a halt during roadworks there.
And this week, YorkMix revealed that Shambles will be closed to pedestrians at one end when the bollards go in there – leading to fears that traders will be hit hard.
Now the council has said the construction of these bollards “is so significant that it will continue until early in the new year”. But there will be a break in the works over the busy Christmas period.
The timetable
The next streets to have bollards installed on them will be*:
- The Shambles from 11 September to 6 October (pedestrian access will be through the walkways from Shambles Market and one from Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate. Vehicle access will be via Kings Square entrance and all access closed at Pavement.)
- Minster Gates from 25 September to 13 October (pedestrian access will be via Minster Yard and High Petergate)
- Colliergate from 9 October to 17 November (pedestrian access will be open during the works and diversions for vehicles put in place)
- Blake Street from 16 October to 24 November (pedestrian access will be open during the works and diversions for vehicles put in place).
*These dates may change depending on a number of factors including what the contractor finds beneath these historic streets. All affected residents and businesses will be contacted and advised of access details before work starts.
There will be a break over the busy Christmas period before work at the Parliament Street / Pavement junction begins early in the new year.
The York BID has been promoting businesses affected by the works, by giving customers a chance to win a £25 York Gift Card when they make a purchase at one of these businesses for the duration of the work.
To further help beleaguered businesses, City of York Council said there would be enhanced signage to highlight that traders are open installed on the protective fencing around the works.
The council said today: “The council will continue to communicate regularly with affected businesses until the work is complete.
“This is being done with hand-delivered letters, visits to business owners, managers and residents and by sharing the contact details of the contractor and council project managers.”
What they said
Cllr Peter Kilbane, executive member for economy and transport at City of York Council, said: “There’s never an ideal time to disrupt businesses in York and we apologise to those affected.
“Installing the bollards in the city centre is the first and most disruptive phase of work. There are a number of processes and contractors involved in the scheme from installation to connecting the communications, and we expect it to be early next year before the system is fully up and running.
“Once the project is finished the temporary measures at Christmas will no longer be required.”
Neil Ferris, director of place at City of York Council, said: “To be strong enough to stop vehicles being used as weapons, the construction of these bollards is so significant that it will continue until early in the new year.
“With such a substantial piece of work, timing it to avoid school holidays, the summer period or other events in the city centre would prolong the overall programme and significantly increase overall costs.
“Building these permanent barriers will protect the city centre and those living in, working in and visiting it for years to come. We understand the immediate impact of this construction on businesses, and we are sorry that it’s caused some challenges.
“We will continue to work with our contractors to minimise the scale of disruption and keep talking to businesses to ensure they are kept informed of the progress of the works.”
Carl Alsop, operations manager of York BID, said: “The works are affecting many local businesses and we are working hard to support them through this difficult time.
The BID launched a York Gift Card campaign with businesses on Goodramgate and we will continue to roll out this programme to other streets with the support of the council.
“As ever, York city centre continues to be a brilliant place to visit and enjoy, and we encourage everyone to support those businesses that are losing crucial passing trade because of the works.
“The BID will continue to listen to business views and lobby for improved communications with businesses.”
Carolyn Frank, FSB development manager, said: “Whilst the disruption during these works cannot be avoided, we are pleased to work on behalf of affected businesses to find ways to mitigate the issues they are facing, and hope that the additional messaging and promotional initiative will remind customers to continue to support businesses whilst access is limited.
“We are very grateful to York BID for their support, and to City of York Council for listening to business’s concerns and acting upon them.
“We hope that the message to support local businesses is taken up by both residents and visitors alike. In York’s long history of trading, these works are a short-term interruption, but for the businesses affected it can feel like forever when they see footfall drop.”