York could learn a lot from the Vienna Christmas markets
I NOTE that there is continuing criticism of the Christmas Market in York. May I make a comment on the subject?
My wife and I have just had the opportunity of a few days in Vienna at their Christmas Markets – note the plural. From our three day visit, I’d like to offer some advice to York council in the hope that our continental experience might improve York’s market next year?
Of course, Vienna is a capital city so it’s bigger but York can use it’s space more effectively. Yes, the market can spread out. Why not St Helen’s Square? How about at the rear of the Minster? What about Museum Gardens? Yes, I know the Gardens are outside the official safety zone but they have very substantial gates which, when closed, will be a most effective barrier. And, heaven forfend, how about closing the Castle Gate car park! Wow – think of all those offended motorists who will be denied the right to park where they want. Make Park & Ride compulsory. (We use it.)
One point of note in Vienna was the prevalence of public toilets, all staffed by ladies who conducted users to the closets. Well perhaps not in York but how about hiring “portaloos” and distributing them around the City. I’m sure Browns store would support that move.
Vienna also has a very effective public transport system which is economical to use. Transport may not be in York Council’s purview but the point needs making that good public transport will be used by the public.
Last point for the Council; how about making Piccadilly flat? The area is very uneven. Vienna didn’t have a paving stone out of place,
Yes, York is smaller than Vienna but it is just as important an international city. It deserves a better market. Perhaps the City Council can approach the 2025 market with a little more imagination and make it better.
Roger Cook
Rufforth
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This is surely the most dangerous road in York?
ROBERT Waite claims that Albermarle Road is the worst road in York for cyclists and pedestrians, but obviously he hasn't cycled along Wigginton Road.
It is extremely dangerous past the hospital because of the heavy traffic and narrow road with no kerb to the road edges.
There are pot holes regularly full of water with many large vehicles accessing the Rowntree factory site.
Unlit for most of its length, I cycled along this road early mornings and late evenings.
Even with two lights on the back and the two on the front and wearing fluorescent clothes you literally risked your life every day.
Luckily I was only knocked of once, in a slow speed collision.
The most annoying thing is that between the railway line and Bumper Castle there's ample room to widen the road and install a cycle path.
Wigginton Road from Crichton Avenue to the outer ring road is by far the most dangerous road in York.
D M Deamer,
Penleys Grove Street
Monkgate
York
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Why Labour's clean energy plans are good news
THANK you Ed Miliband for moving ahead with the government's clean energy plan.
This plan will end reliance on fossil fuels and ultimately bring down household bills.
The plan will also unlock £40 billion of private investment every year. Thus boosting the UK economy.
This will create thousands of skilled jobs on top of those being created by the building of 1.5 million homes thanks to fixing the grid system and speeding up the planning process.
Hence, this will provide more renewable energy projects which will in itself reduce dependence on foreign energy.
So, unlike the Tories big magic money tree policies of higher bills and higher taxes because of dependence on foreign energy, what we have is a Labour government putting British consumers first and making our country great again.
Geoffrey Brooking,
Saxley Court,
Havant,
Hampshire
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