City of York Council is committed to looking at how Acomb Front Street could be pedestrianised, its deputy leader said after giving the go ahead to works including removing bollards.

Council deputy leader Cllr Pete Kilbane said a planned feasibility study into pedestrianisation would have to take local businesses into account after they voiced concerns about deliveries.

The Labour councillor added the authority was now focused on spending the £570,000 of cash ring-fenced by the Government for wider improvements to the street by October.

It comes as the What A Load of Bollards campaign group welcomed approval of the works as the end of the line to the recent chequered evolution of Front Street.

But they added in a written statement to the meeting where the decision was taken on Tuesday, September 24 that the promised feasibility study into pedestrianisation felt like a gesture.

They claimed benches, planters and other street furniture set to replace almost 90 of the 131 bollards due to be removed would be wasted if the street is fully pedestrianised.

An impression showing how the regeneration of Acomb Front Street could look. Picture is from York CouncilAn impression showing how the regeneration of Acomb Front Street could look. Picture is from York Council

Tuesday’s decision session heard the street furniture, which serves a similar function to the bollards by protecting the kerb side and pedestrians, was future-proof and would not require removal.

Questions were also raised about the final cost of removing the bollards installed in January 2023 under York’s previous Liberal Democrat and Green coalition administration.

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The combined cost of removing the bollards, altering junctions, creating new blue badge parking, resurfacing the road, installing an electrical point for events and new bins was £315,000.

Costs relating only to the removal of the bollards has not been disclosed.

The rest of the £570,000 UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant for Phase Two of Acomb Front Street’s regeneration is set to cover costs including for seating, planters and public art.

Part of the funding has also been set aside for new signs and wayfinding aids, an upgrade to public toilets and a community event next year.

Bollards in Front StreetBollards in Front Street

The details of the event are yet to be decided.

A drop-in session is set to be held at the Gateway Centre in Front Street from 3pm to 6pm on Thursday, September 26 for residents and businesses to share their views on plans for the road.

It comes as work on the scheme is set to begin in October with road closures running until November.

Front Street is set to close to vehicles from Monday, October 7 for up to four weeks while pedestrian crossings are widened.

The street is set to close to traffic again between Tuesday, November 19 and Friday, November 22 for resurfacing.

Neighbouring Cross Street is set to shut from 7.30am to 4pm between Monday, November 4 and Friday, November 15 for works to create new Blue Badge spaces.

Further resurfacing works in Cross Street are set for Tuesday, November 19 to Wednesday, November 20, with all-day closures in place.

Businesses are due to remain open during the works and the council is set to support them with deliveries.

Cllr Kilbane said a deadline to spend the UK Shared Prosperity Funding by March meant that the council had to use it or lose it.

Cllr Pete KilbaneCllr Pete Kilbane

The deputy leader and authority’s economy spokesperson said: “This is funding awarded specifically for the regeneration of our local high streets and we are not allowed to spend it on anything else, such as fixing potholes.

“We thank everyone for their patience while we carry out these important improvements, I can’t wait to see the difference these changes will make to an area that is already on the up.”