Media Release from City of York Council Labour Group
The issue was up for discussion after a council scrutiny Task Group concluded its review of the problems at Clifton Green, Westminster Road and The Avenue. And after months of sustained pressure from residents and ward councillors, the Executive finally signalled its intent to change its stance.
Ward councillor Ken King, who attended the meeting in support of residents and on behalf of fellow ward councillors, said:
"This is a very significant day in the life of this long-standing problem. Residents of Westminster Road spoke very forcefully about how this issue has blighted their street, a street that until the Water End changes was relatively peaceful and safe for children.
"The Chair of the cross-party Task Group also spoke in favour of the Executive finding a solution to the problems, which he described as ‘created by the council'".
The meeting heard from a senior council officer who said it was possible for the council to look at ways in which the left hand filter lane into Clifton Green be reinstated, which would involve the cycle lane moving between the two vehicle lanes. The cost could be in the region of £35k, he said.
Coun. David Scott, who has long campaigned for action from the council on the issue, reacted to the news saying:
"Finally after all the pressure and representations from Labour ward councillors, the Executive seems as though it is seeing sense. It has asked officers to work up a new plan which would include the reinstatement of the second lane on Water End, which is great news.
"It has also charged officers with working up another plan for chicanes on Westminster Road. I'm remain more cautious about how successful this will be at this stage, so we may need to assess the impact if and when the two lane approach to Clifton Green is implemented. My own view is that a closure of Westminster Road and The Avenue will be needed, either by way of a rising bollard or by temporary closure".
