Cyclists stage city centre go slow protest to call for council action yorkpress.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from yorkpress.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The grates have been taken from drains in streets in New Earswick. Resident Helen Butcher said around 48 drain covers were removed in the early hours of Wednesday February 17, leaving holes along Willow Bank, Rowan Avenue and Hawthorn Terrace North. She said dangerous holes have been left in the road as a result and council staff have been fitting new grates today and putting cones over open drains. Police and City of York Council have been approached for more information. ⚠️ Missing manhole covers: Take extreme care if riding in Huntington and New Earswick ⚠️ https://t.co/CGEZ6YmmuB York Cycle Campaign (@YorkCycle) February 16, 2021
Conservative councillors said the move could help struggling businesses in January and February. And city centre businessman Phil Pinder called on councillors to support the plans, saying it could help tackle what are expected to be dire trading conditions at the start of the year. But Andrew McGuinness speaking for York Quality Bus Partnership said the move would encourage people back into their cars, increasing traffic and worsening air quality. And a spokesperson for York Cycle Campaign raised concerns about safety if the plan encouraged more cars onto the roads. They also called for the council to relax the rules around people cycling on pedestrianised streets.