Traders’ worries halt roadworks in in Finkle Street

The project was due to start in Finkle Street on Monday, and would have prevented access to vehicles for four weeks while improvements to paving and the replacement of cobbles with Tarmac.

Yesterday, however, a spokeswoman for North Yorkshire County Council confirmed the work would not take place, although further talks would be held with the local authorities to find a solution.

She said: “Because of concerns raised locally about replacing the block paving with a new Tarmac surfacing, the roadworks planned for Finkle Street have been cancelled. Discussions continue with Selby District Council to see if a revised proposal can be developed for the future.”

Town and district councillor Steve Shaw-Wright welcomed the announcement, but said he hoped the town council would be consulted about any future works. He said: “I am really pleased that the works have been suspended, and I am hopeful that a sensible solution can be found. However, one has to question the planning process for the works.

“Little if any consultation was undertaken with those directly affected or the town council. I am aware that county highways have a blanket permission to undertake maintenance to the highways in Selby, but would still welcome some consultation, and full consultation at that.”

David Fieldsend, from the Selby Chamber, said: “I’m glad county highways have listened and taken in the concerns of the actual residents and traders which their planned work would affect.

“Let’s hope they can continue to consult with relevant parties in the future and as such provide a solution to problems like this that can benefit all.

“Finkle Street needs a few repairs, but really the issue on this street is the fact people use it as a ‘rat run’ which has caused the damage in the first place. Once repaired, this street needs closing off to normal traffic, with access only to traders and deliveries.”