Councillors met yesterday to consider a number of options to improve the traffic system close to the historic Micklegate entrance to the city centre. The ‘Blossom Street Multi-Modal Study' seeks to improve the Blossom Street/Queen Street/Micklegate and Nunnery Lane junctions together with the enhancement of the streetscape of Blossom Street between the bar and Holgate Road.

Ward councillors have expressed some concerns about the officer report, saying further investigation is needed to properly consider the options available. Micklegate councillor Dave Merrett said:

"I am very worried about the potential impact of any proposed closure on businesses & traders in Micklegate, particularly in the current economic climate. I think great caution needs to be exercised here with a very careful look at the potential effect on businesses, and other options to a full closure of Micklegate Bar should be examined in discussion with the local businesses. There needs to be a focus on regeneration for Micklegate, and perhaps some measures such as build outs and café areas on Micklegate could be part of that. All of these issues need to be considered in the next report on the study."

The gateway has suffered a number of accidents in recent years, as well as serious congestion with buses such as the ftr requiring two lanes in order to make the left turn from Blossom Street into Queen Street. The council commissioned Halcrow earlier this year to undertake a study of what improvements were possible, culminating in the options to be considered at Monday's City Strategy EMAP meeting.

Holgate councillor Sonja Crisp explained some of the dangers for motor and pedal cyclists:

"There are many inherent dangers where Blossom Street, Nunnery Lane and Queen Street meet, and in some ways it is a miracle there haven't been more serious accidents there. Cyclists exiting Queen Street to turn right have a torrid time of it with buses cutting them up, vehicles immediately overtaking bikes only to cut them up trying to turn into Nunnery Lane, and cyclists sometimes riding at each side as well as in the middle of the two lanes on Blossom Street. The whole thing is very unclear for all concerned at present".

"As far as Holgate ward is concerned, the Holgate Road Gyratory Study concluded 3 years ago that a scheme to form a gyratory system incorporating The Mount, Holgate Road and Dalton Terrace in order to improve facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, air quality and bus journey reliability would be a positive step. I would like to see this recommendation revisited now".

Labour spokesperson for City Strategy, Coun. Ruth Potter added:

"There is an incredibly long list of issues related to this area, from cycle safety to pedestrian safety on traffic islands, to congestion and traffic management.

"The traffic management system must be the top priority in terms of reducing accidents and improving safety in this area. The Micklegate issue is a complex one and we must see further work done on the implications for changing the way the street operates at present before deciding what is the best action to take. But we're pleased to see this important and much needed piece of work get underway".