Rat-run plan row

City of York Council is proposing to curb rat-running through Straylands Grove estate, in Heworth, by using a £60,000 electronic rising bollard which will only lower for residents holding a valid pass.

But Heworth councillors Viv Kind, Paul Blanchard and Ruth Potter told last night's ward committee meeting at Tang Hall Primary School that they would ensure the council was aware of widespread concerns about the proposed scheme.

While a poll of householders living between Malton Lane and Stockton Lane last year found almost 70 per cent were in favour of the bollard, residents living immediately outside the area consulted, as well as some within, are opposed to the plans.

They argue that the bollard will increase congestion around Stockton Lane and Hopgrove Lane, and say that the majority of the people who use the road are not "rat-runners", but locals.

Coun Kind said: "Clearly, there is very strong feeling. We can very much understand what people are saying. It will inconvenience a lot of people.

"They have very valid concerns and what I want to do is make sure those are listened to."

Residents would not need to use the bollard, providing they approached the estate from Stockton Lane. Those who did wish to use it would be expected to pay a charge of £20 every three years.

Before the intelligent bollard can be installed, a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) must be made to legally restrict access. Publlic consultation on that issue will begin on Monday.

Objectors to the TRO need to inform City of York Council of their views by March 8 and Coun Kind urged people who attended the meeting to take part in the consultation.

The results of the consultation will be discussed later next month.

York already has intelligent bollards operating in Stonebow and Bishophill, but proposals to install one in Heslington Lane have met with a lukewarm reception from residents.

Updated: 08:42 Wednesday, February 09, 2005