July decision day for Front Street investment

Front Street

According to the Councils latest forward programme, proposals to improve the Front Street area will be considered at a meeting taking place on 3rd July.

The report follows on from earlier decisions on how the Councils available investment budget would be allocated.

One of the decisions was to allocate £100,000 to be spent on regenerating the Front Street and Haxby shopping areas.

At the time, the allocation was criticised as being too small to make much difference.

Last year, residents were consulted about how they would like to see the shopping area upgraded.

The most popular improvement was a proposal to provide a “level” surface across the whole of the pedestrian area.

This would potentially include the (privately owned) shops forecourts. We said at the time that this would need the involvement of a dedicated project manager who would have to negotiate agreements with several landlords. Whether improvements of this scale will be included in the July package remains to be seen.

Front Street back lane

The second most supported change, by residents, was improved management of litter and rubbish. There have been ongoing problems with litter and dumpingt in the back lane behind Front Street.

Many residents also wanted to see street furniture refurbished. Some progress has been made on this with cycle racks now added to the painting programme.

As we reported earlier in the week, there are some signs that Front Street is becoming more popular with traders. The number of empty properties has reduced, The Acomb Alive traders group now produces a 6 monthly magazine which has a wide distribution, while the Saturday markets continue to attract shoppers.

What is now needed is a bold and decisive approach to investment in the public realm

What’s on in York: Save a Babies Life Workshop

Bookstart Bear Logo June

York Explore Library :

Wed 6 Jun :

10.00am – 12.00pm :

Free

Come and celebrate National Bookstart Week at York Libraries.

Are you a parent or carer of a 0-1 year old child? Come and learn some basic emergency skills at this workshop run by The Royal Life Saving Society UK.

This is a free event but booking is essential.

What’s on in York: York Festival of Ideas starts today

1Venues across the city :

Tue 5 Jun – Sun 17 Jun :

Various Times :

Free

The award-winning York Festival of Ideas returns from 5 to 17 June with over 200 diverse and inspiring events under the theme of Imagining the Impossible.

Featuring world-class speakers, exhibitions, theatre, music, films, guided walks, children’s activities and much more, the packed programme of mostly free events offers something for everyone.

Find out more at yorkfestivalofideas.com.