So just how well has the City centre economy fared this year?
St Nicholas market popular this year
Traders in York are saying that they have had a very good period in the run up to Christmas. The St Nicholas market has attracted coachloads of visitors, while the Christmas lights displays have been generally applauded.
Special events like the display in the Museum Gardens have added to the festive spirit.
The number of people on the streets has been high during late November and December although the final figures won’t be known until after the holiday.
But, of course, everything is relative with overall visitor numbers, as measured by “footfall” cameras, broadly the same as they were 7 years ago.
There are of course peaks and troughs. There was distinct peak, for example, when the Tour de France visited York in 2014. But that boost was largely transient.
Some will point out that there are parts of the City centre which have been neglected. Duncombe Place is an unexploited opportunity, particularly at Christmas time, while Exhibition Square (outside the Art Gallery), is too often a deserted and windswept place.
Parliament Street remains a visual embarrassment made worst this year by the ugly shipping container village.
Footfall in Coney Street has shown the biggest fall with long term empty shop units mainly to blame.
Nor does footfall always translate into economic activity although several attractions, including The Minster and Merchant Adventurers Hall, are reporting a 5 year high in visitors.
January and February may give a more realistic set of figures on which to measure whether the City centre is bouncing back from the recession and changes to shopping habits.
We hope that it is.
Footfall trend in key shopping streets
Footfall in Parliament Street
Liberal Democrats call on the MOD for greater clarity regarding Queen Elizabeth and Imphal Barracks
Imphal Barracks
The Liberal Democrats are, once again, calling on the MOD to provide greater clarity regarding the closures of Queen Elizabeth and Imphal Barracks, in order to provide assurances to those affected in the community.
Cllr Andrew Waller, Liberal Democrat Councillor and Interim Deputy Leader of City of York Council, has written to the Secretary of State to seek urgent clarification on the potential impact of non-military personnel and employment in the city.
Both barracks are valued by the City and many residents are proud of York’s connection with the armed forces. With the planned closures in place, local communities have questioned the future of the sites and the personnel associated with them.
Although decisions regarding military personnel are currently underway; the Liberal Democrats are requesting assurances to be given for other staff in the barracks, such as civil servants, so that they can remain in York and not
Andrew Waller
be removed from the local community.
Cllr Andrew Waller said:
“York is proud of its relationship with the armed forces and residents place great worth on the contribution both barracks make to the community.
The closures of Queen Elizabeth and Imphal barracks have significant and negative implications on the City of York, the people within those communities and on jobs connected to the barracks.
It is for this reason; I have written to the Secretary of State, Gavin Williamson MP, to request clarification and assurances from the MOD on the future of non-military personnel at these sites.
In my capacity as Interim Deputy Leader, I have also offered assistance, where possible, to help ensure civilian staff have suitable sites and office accommodation to remain in York.”
York Council services over festive period
Plan ahead for a happy holiday!
City of York Council has “got Christmas all wrapped up and we’ve pulled our festive information into one place to help residents plan ahead”.
The customer centre will close over the festive period.
It will shut at 4pm on Friday 22 December and then re-open on Wednesday 27 December running normal opening hours except for on Friday 29 December when it will close at 4pm.
The customer centre will then re-open in the New Year on 2 January when normal opening hours will start.
We remain open for all social care, housing and homelessness emergencies. In addition, the team will carry out urgent assessments of adults or children and can provide advice or guidance over the phone. Emergency contact info can be found at www.york.gov.uk/emergencies
For more information about opening times, contacting us, waste and recycling and other festive Council services, visit www.york.gov.uk/FestivePeriod
Finally, with so many people alone this Christmas, remember to pop in to check on vulnerable friends, neighbours or relatives to make sure they are warm, healthy and happy.
Mary Weastell, City of York Council chief executive, said: “York has recently been voted the most festive cities in the country and I hope residents and businesses continue to enjoy all this great city has to offer over the festive period.
“I would encourage people to be prepared for the holidays. We’ve put on an additional bin collection to help and there’s much you can do to get ready. Whether picking up medical prescriptions in good time, checking waste collections or calling in to check on a vulnerable friend or elderly neighbour. Although our customer contact centre is closed, our emergency teams are always on hand if needed. ”
Residents are advised to follow our social media accounts @cityofyork, @yorkgritter and facebook.com/cityofyork for up to date information over the festive period. Happy holidays!
Extra waste collections over the Christmas period
All households will get extra household waste collections (grey bins/black sacks) during weeks commencing 18 December 2017 and 2 January 2018… Put your waste out by 7.00am for collection!
CHECK YOUR COLLECTION DAY/DATES: WWW.YORK.GOV.UK/REFUSELOOKUP
Published Wednesday, 20th December 2017
What’s on over Christmas in York
York Minster
Sunday 24th and Monday 25 Dec :
Times vary : Free
Sunday 24 December, Christmas Eve
12 noon: Crib Service
Traditional service where families and children are particularly welcome
Sunday 24 December, 4.00pm: Nine Lessons and Carols
Two services consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the York Minster Choir and hymns for everyone to join in. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
11.30pm: First Eucharist of Christmas
Traditional ‘Midnight Mass’ with music from the St William’s Singers and York Young Soloists.
Preacher: Canon Chris Collingwood
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Monday 25 December, Christmas Day
York Minster’s special services celebrating Christ’s birth:
8.00am: Holy Communion (said, 1662)
10.00am: Sung Eucharist of Christmas Day. Preacher: The Archbishop of York
11:45am: Christmas Day Choral Matins (sung by the Minster Choir) Preacher: Dean of York
4:00pm: Christmas Day Choral Evensong (sung by the Minster Choir)
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St James the Deacon, Sherringham Drive
