PROPOSALS for a £500k investment in Fossgate have exposed a rift among traders and residents.

A consultation period was announced earlier this week detailing plans to plough half a million pounds into the historic street.

City of York Council want to make Fossgate more pedestrian friendly, but local traders are divided on how best to achieve this.

Val and Geoff Shallcross, who run Connollys Homestyle, which has been in their family for more than 50 years, would like to see the street fully pedestrianised - something they have been arguing for for some years.

In 2017, the direction of traffic was changed and Fossgate became a 'pedestrian and cycle zone', with limited access for deliveries and residents between 8am-6pm.

But Val said that the current system is not working: "We still get traffic coming up here which is not for deliveries and residents.

"It's not being used in accordance with the regulations, but it's not being policed."

Geoff added: "Cyclists regularly ignore the direction of traffic, which is very dangerous. They've got to observe the rules."

The proposal document states that the street cannot be fully closed to vehicles as it is needed for access and, it seems, other traders are happy with the current system.

Mike Lewandowski, who owns pen shop, Signatures of York, with his wife, Andrea, said that this new consultation period is the latest in a long line of proposals for Fossgate over a number of years.

Mike and Andrea moved into their current premises 20 years ago and would like to see any improvements put into action as soon as possible.

The council's plans include road re-surfacing and widening of footpaths, with the possibility of new bike stands, benches and trees.

He said: "We are fed up with [the constant delays]. This is a perfectly workable solution and would enhance the area for all of the businesses.

"We are very happy it is going ahead at last. This money has been put aside for years and we're pleased it is finally going to be used.

"These plans are very positive and will give Fossgate a new lease of life. Fossgate will never be pedestrianised."

Proposals currently being considered are available online at york.gov.uk/fossgate, in the foyer of West Offices, or at a drop-in session between 1pm and 5pm on Monday, September 24 and Wednesday, October 3, at Ambiente Tapas Bar in Fossgate.

The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday, October 14.