Anti-terror barriers on York's Shambles to be replaced
It's after criticism from businesses and disabled people.
Last updated 15th Nov 2021
Anti-terrorism barriers on York’s Shambles are to be replaced - after an outcry from traders.
The large metal bollards were put at the Pavement end of the street last week - to protect people visiting the city centre over the Christmas period.
They've been criticised for blocking delivery drivers and making the narrow street more difficult to navigate for disabled people - the barriers will now be replaced with different ones which will make access easier.
City of York Council and Make it York stressed that counter-terrorism police said security measures were necessary.
Ashley Young, from Make It York, said: “The police have confirmed that these measures are necessary to protect the Christmas markets, residents and visitors in the city at Christmas, however we’re pleased to have reached a workable solution to swap the current measures for a different layout that will improve access for wheelchair users, allow pallet deliveries, and increase pedestrian flows through this location.”
Make It York has written to all affected businesses and will be helping them to ensure deliveries can get through the new barriers.
Andy D’Agorne, the council’s executive member for transport, said: “Partnership work between safety experts and affected businesses has identified a workable, accessible and safe solution, which will suit businesses as well as pedestrians. The contractors will install the revised temporary measures as soon as they end their work supporting security at COP26 in Glasgow.
“Particularly during this busy holiday season, it’s the council’s duty to protect the city and the many residents and visitors who will come to enjoy all that York has to offer.”
Councillors will this week debate measures that will see more subtle anti-terror measures installed around the city’s footstreets, which would eventually prevent the need for temporary barriers in the Shambles.
Coun D’Agorne added: “However, until these are in place we must do all that’s necessary to protect residents and visitors.”