Hundreds fill in York junction survey (From York Press)

Hundreds fill in York junction survey

3:22pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010 in News By Mark Stead, mark.stead@thepress.co.uk

MORE than 700 people have had their say on plans for one of the biggest city centre road schemes earmarked for York in the last decade.

City of York Council is seeking the views of residents from all corners of the city on proposed improvements to the junction of Blossom Street, Nunnery Lane and Queen Street where the last three years have seen 25 accidents.

Three options which may be considered include installing new pedestrian crossings and may also involve removing lanes of traffic to make way for cycle routes, with the cost of any changes ranging from £475,000 to £575,000.

The potential schemes have been welcomed by cyclists and nearby schools, but came in for a chillier reception from motorists whose journeys from the edge of York to the crossing would be lengthened by any changes.

The consultation was launched on January 21 after the junction was earmarked as being one of York's most dangerous points for cyclists, and hundreds of completed questionnaires have now been sent to the council by post and online.

Coun Steve Galloway, the authority's executive member for city strategy, said: “We are trying to open up choices, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

“None of these options will be popular with everybody, but we are asking people to take an objective view.”

The cost of any improvements would be backed by Cycling City funding, while the council is also looking at developing a new route for cyclists and pedestrians from Holgate Road to York Station, via Lowther Terrace, giving them an alternative to using Blossom Street.

Responses to the consultation must be received by March 26 and a public exhibition will be staged at Nunnery Lane car park on February 25 and 26, with the proposal plans on show at the council officers at 9 St Leonard's Place and Askham Bar Park&Ride site. Anybody who has not received a questionnaire should phone Richard Holland on 01904 551401 or log on to www.york.gov.uk/blossomstreet