CAN I welcome Messrs Hamer, Jones and others for their feedback on the King’s Square Reinvigorate York scheme (The Press, December 6 and 9).

However, only the first phase of the King’s Square scheme is complete so far. We have split the work to avoid the busiest trading periods of the year in response to local traders’ views.

Phase two of the total £500,000 scheme – see york.gov.uk/reinvigorateyork – will continue with the better weather in the spring.

It will see the size of the pedestrian space increased by transforming the carriageway passing through to Colliergate into a new high-quality pedestrian friendly space that is much more useful in the footstreet hours.

Significantly improving the paving on King’s Square has just been one aspect of this scheme and has allowed us to reinforce the pavement’s foundations, so it has a much better chance of avoiding future deterioration as happened with the previous surfaces.

The scheme will improve this important public space, which had been described previously as “tired” and “dated”. We expect the revamp will help to increase footfall in the city centre, improve the overall quality of life for residents, maintain York as a top tourist destination, and reinvigorate the city-centre economy.

Dave Merrett, Cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, City of York Council.

 

• WITH reference to the debate about King’s Square, I wanted to reserve judgement on the subject, but the square could be anywhere in any city. The council seems hell-bent on destroying the history of York.

Mr Shepherdson (Letters, December 3) mentioned the plaque which has gone missing and the small reference to the Roman history as well.

King’s Square has a long history, let’s not forget it.

Mrs P Foulds, Thirlmere Drive, Heworth, York.