GROVES - Council meeting gives the OK to 18 month traffic trial

Councillors have been criticised for pushing ahead with plans to close roads in the Groves in York.

An experimental traffic order for 18 months will see big changes on the streets with cars excluded from some routes.

Councillors have been meeting online to confirm details but the Lib Dems and Greens have been told to consult more by some locals.

VIDEO - See the meeting here:

City of York Council would use government emergency funding that aims to promote cycling and walking to carry out the work.

The scheme plans to:

Close Lowther Street at its junction with Brownlow Street

Close Penley Grove Street between St. John Crescent and March Street

Close Earle Street close to its junction with Amber Street

Close Neville Terrace close to its junction with Brownlow Street

Make Penley Grove Street two way between March Street and the new closure point

Make Penley Grove Street two way between Monkgate and the new closure point

Close St. John Crescent between Penley Grove Street and Garden Street

Make March Street one way except for cyclists

Make Brownlow Street one way except for cyclists

Merge the boundaries of residents parking zones R7, R10 and R25

Local Democracy Reporter Chloe Laversuch has more:

Routes will be shut in the next two to three weeks – initially as an experiment.

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, executive member for transport, said the plans are “flexible” and can be changed in response to any problems.

A pupil from Park Road Primary School told Cllr D’Agorne at the virtual meeting that he supported the plans.

Resident Daryl Martin’s young son told council officers:

“I’ve observed that the fumes from the cars are highly damaging to the school community and not just during school hours but throughout the rest of the day as many children stay after school to play on the playground.”

Another resident, Ann Stacey, told the meeting the neighbourhood is used as a cut-through, adding:

“I know there are a large and growing number of people who support the plans and some who think they do not go far enough.

“This is an experiment that could benefit everybody as long as people know their views will continue to be taken into account.”

But Brian Houghton, chair of trustees at charity Door 84, which supports young people and their families, warned the closure could make it difficult for vulnerable people to get to their base on Lowther Street.

He said:

“We are currently supporting 50 families. We need access for deliveries and collections.

The proposed development would have a huge impact on the success of the club.

It will have a huge impact on our income, possibly causing job losses.”

He said the youth service has been going for 80 years, adding:

“We are desperate for the closure scheme not to go ahead in its current form.”

Hilary Platt, chair of Bell Farm Community Association, also raised concerns about the impact of extra traffic on surrounding roads and neighbourhoods.  She said:

“The main roads are high traffic areas with queues most of the day.”

Cllr D’Agorne approved the scheme for 18 months saying:

“This is a trial so there is flexibility if what we put in place is not seen as the best solution it could be moved, following discussion with residents and councillors.”

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