PEOPLE power has led to the return of railings at a busy York junction after claims their removal could endanger children and elderly people.

The barriers at the junction of Acomb Road and Holgate Road were taken away several weeks ago apparently without warning, but local residents said cars subsequently began mounting the pavement.

City of York Council said the railings were removed during “ongoing” improvement works on the A59, but some sections have now been put back to ensure safety.

Residents said the removal of the railings left the junction, particularly the area outside The Fox pub, “horribly exposed” and the issue was taken up by local Liberal Democrat campaigners Martin Bartlett and Nick Love.

Lisa Hammond, who lives nearby, said: “I’m pleased our concerns have been responded to because we were worried about safety after the railings were removed.

“It meant there was no longer a clear layout for people crossing the road, which could particularly be a risk to children, so we’re glad something will now be in place to make people stop and think.”

Paul Curry, who runs Studio 12 hairdressers on Acomb Road, said: “It’s a busy junction used by a lot of children and elderly people, and as well as safety, there was no consultation about the railings being taken away – they just vanished.

“I’m glad we raised the issue, but I’d want to see what the entire scheme looks like when the work is completed.”

A council spokeswoman said the work was designed to improve traffic flows and pedestrian and cycle crossings. She said: “The provision of the railings in the area has been reviewed and sections of new railings will be provided as part of the scheme, audited by road safety engineers to ensure a safe layout is provided.

“When transport schemes are progressed, the need for railings is reviewed. In some circumstances, existing railings may be removed as they may be a safety hazard, create an unnecessary maintenance liability and could be visually intrusive. Railings essential for road safety purposes would not be removed.”