York Christmas Market- council proposals for future events

Extra Blue Badge parking spaces, improving accessibility for buses, dedicated quiet and rest spaces, more cycle parking and benches are among proposals drawn up for future markets.

Labour council Leader Cllr Claire Douglas said some could not enjoy last year’s Christmas Market and the city centre and future events needed to be safe and accessible for everyone.

A City of York Council report stated changes to the Christmas Market’s operating hours or days could have a knock-on effect on city centre businesses if it affects footfall and overnight stays.

The short-term measures could cost around £70,000, according to a York Council report which stated they would come ahead of potential longer term measures in the coming years.

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Proposals which are set to go before the council’s executive on Tuesday, March 3 follow a review into city centre events launched after the Christmas Market.

It was done after measures brought in to prevent vehicle attacks saw Blue Badge holders and other vehicles barred from the city centre while the market was open.

North Yorkshire Police called on the council to impose an Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) barring drivers from streets already subject to hostile vehicle measures to deter attacks.

But disabled groups said it would limit their access to the city centre and its shops, venues and services in the run up to Christmas.

The extra cost to the council and event organiser Make It York to implement the restrictions was £90,000.

A report on arrangements for this year’s event stated the police had recommended making the ATTRO permanent.

It added the restrictions would typically lie dormant but could be activated on a case-by-case basis if the council, police and other emergency services feel they are necessary.

York’s Christmas Market brings in £80 to £100m-a-year to the city’s economy, according to Make It York estimates (Image: Kieran Delaney)

The report stated that making the restrictions permanent could impact other events in held in the city centre throughout the year amid national moves towards greater security and vehicle controls.

The report stated city centre events contributed some of the overall £2bn generated by York’s tourism and visitor sector.

Make It York estimates put the amount brought in by the Christmas Market alone at between £80m and £100m.

But data from Beauclair showed there was pressure on city centre retail spending compared to previous years.

The latest shop vacancy rates were at 6 per cent in York compared to 13 per cent nationally.

Short-term measures for future Christmas Markets include extra Blue Badge parking in places such as Duncombe Place, Deangate, Picadilly and St Andrewgate.

Foot streets access could be reviewed including by looking at mobility aids.

Dedicated quiet and rest areas could be set up during events in places such as St Sampson’s Centre, Spark or the York Explore Central Library.

Options considered but ruled out by council officials include moving the Christmas Market and other events outside the city centre and spreading them out.

New benches, an information point and help the Shopmobility transport aid rental service expand have also been proposed.

Temporarily allowing access to some city centre services on the edge of or outside the protected area has also been ruled out for now but officials could look at arrangements in the longer term.

The council’s leader Cllr Douglas said they were listening and wanted to make sure any changes are worked on jointly with those affected.

Cllr Douglas said: “In York we are all rightly proud of the wide range of events that take place across the city all year round which bring joy to so many people and significant economic benefits.

“We are clear that events must be accessible to everyone and they must also be safe.”