TRADERS in York have caught the Tour de France bug and decorated their street in a French style.

Bishopthorpe Road has been dressed with bunting, while shop windows have been filled with yellow, French, or cycling-themed displays ahead of next month’s event.

The Bishy Road Street Traders Association, which represents about 60 small independent traders in the area, has organised the decoration to bring the local community closer together and celebrate the event.

Johnny Hayes, chairman of the Bishy Road Street Traders Association, said the group had even changed its motto for the occasion, from what was I Love Bishy Road to the more French J’Adore Bishy Rue.

He said: “This will be a grand day for Yorkshire and a grand day out for our local Bishy Road community.

“It is not often that the world comes to your local area and for a short time on Sunday, July 6, millions of eyes across the world will fall upon our very own Bishy Road.

“We had to do our bit to ensure that we were dressed to impress and welcome our guests.

“While we celebrate the passing through of the Grand Départ, we are also a very close and proud community and thousands of local people will be on the streets to cheer the cyclists on.”

He added.

The association has also organised a street party to take place immediately after the peloton passes through on its way into York, where thousands of people are expected to line the streets on Sunday, July 6.

The party will feature music, food and children’s entertainment throughout the day, while the street remains closed until 7pm.

About 40 stalls will be set up by local traders, many of whom will be in French-inspired costume, and a children’s fancy dress parade, which will follow a route, will also be held.