City of York Council says it is considering a new approach to the seasonal event, which would see the market close on Tuesdays each week to allow “business as usual” in the city centre.

It said that the rest day would ease access for residents who feel cut off by the market, with particular benefits intended for Blue Badge holders.

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As reported by The Press in February, extra Blue Badge parking spaces, improving accessibility for buses, dedicated quiet and rest spaces, more cycle parking and benches are among proposals drawn up following a review of last year’s market.

Controversial restrictions were implemented last November following an Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) requested by North Yorkshire Police which barred drivers from city centre streets during the market’s opening hours – restrictions the force said were needed to deter terrorist attacks.

However, campaigners have slammed the measures claiming they exclude some York residents from their own city centre – especially Blue Badge holders who are unable to drive into parts of the city.

Councillor Pete Kilbane, deputy leader of City of York Council, said: “York is the most Christmassy place to be which is why it’s enjoyed by residents and visitors from all around the world.

“At a special time of year with the winter lights and Christmas Market, it’s just a fantastic place to be.

“However, this isn’t the case for everyone. We know that some people can feel cut off from the city centre at this time of year and this can’t continue.

“This report looks to explore our options to improve access to the city centre in a way which also keeps the city safe.

“This includes looking at rest days for the market to support those who need to get into the city centre for everyday needs such as banking services, and for leisure such as enjoying York’s amazing retail and hospitality offer.”

York Christmas Market could close one day a week under fresh plans (Image: Staff)

If approved, York’s Christmas market would close every Tuesday – traditionally the day when footfall for the market is quieter.

This would allow Blue Badge holder access through the hostile vehicle measures on those Tuesdays, unless exceptional circumstances such as a national security threat, specific intelligence or a VIP visit required retricted access.

On the remaining days of the week, vehicle restrictions would remain in place in line with anti-terrorism measures requested by the police.

The council says the change could give residents and visitors greater freedom to access shops, services, and leisure options without the usual constraints of the market operating.

If the six-day market option is backed, 2026 would serve as a trial year, with arrangements for 2027 and beyond being reviewed following an evaluation of that season.

The proposal will be discussed at the council’s executive meeting on Tuesday, April 14, with papers for the meeting available on the City of York Council’s website.

The meeting will also be available to watch live or on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

A friend of Harry’s told The Sunday Times: “If he was invited by the King, he would get a package of security that automatically kicks in. He’d like an invite to Sandringham. Would he go? It would depend who was there. If the King was to say, ‘Come up and spend some time with the family’, he’d love that.”

Rhododendron ponticum, bursting into bright colour at this time of year, has been spreading widely across the Smithills Estate for years, crowding out native species.

Rhododendron on Smithills trail (Image: NQ)

The Trailblazers, volunteers working in the area, say the plant’s thick growth is “choking” the woodland floor and leaving little room for other plant life to survive.

Work uncovers water feature on the estate after plants removed (Image: NQ)

Trailblazer Alan Cowardine said: “The problem with the rhododendron is it’s got a thick foliage. “No light gets to the ground, so nothing else can survive.

“So that could be creatures like earthworms, beetles, any flies, anything like that. We’ve actually seen nothing since we’ve been pulling out the rhododendrons.”

The plant spreads aggressively and is difficult to control once established.

Work is underway to control the plethora of out-of-control rhododendron bushes and Trailblazers are hopeful the can limit its growth, even if hedges found all over the trail are made mostly out of the daunting yet manageable rhododendron.

Rhododendron can cause illness and vomiting when eaten, but while the risks to people and pets are considered low, volunteers say the plant should not be consumed.

Mr Cowardine added: “Each plant will produce a million seeds, then the roots form and it spreads as well, so it’s not a good thing to have and it’s a toxic plant as well.”

“It is toxic, but you’d have to physically eat it, but it’s not good for the environment full stop.”

Smithills’ Woodland, which spans for acres and is a walking route for locals, is maintained every Monday by the Trailblazers.

Jean Turner (Image: NQ)

Each week, they come together to stay on top of plant life, create walkways for visitors and restore once neat areas, such as ponds.

They have had help from local organisations such as Bolton Council, Friends of Smithills hall, places of education, and Bolton Green Umbrella to name a few.

Volunteer at work (Image: NQ)

The plant’s impact goes beyond visibility, affecting the balance of the wider ecosystem.

Jean Turner, Chair of Edgworth and District Horticultural Society, said: “The problem we’ve got is rhododendron ponticum, a beautiful flower but deadly to the environment.

“Anything underneath a rhododendron bush will die because the rhododendrons have in themselves a chemical which kills or inhibits any growth.

“The rhododendron plant is poisonous to many animals, so sheep and cows won’t graze on it. I suppose the leaves don’t look very appetising, but you would take precautions.”

Efforts to remove the plant are ongoing, with volunteers working to dig out roots and prevent regrowth.

They hope that over time clearing the rhododendron will allow native plants and wildlife to return to help the woodland flourish.