THE planning application for a cycle way across Walmgate Stray includes a Method of Construction Statement which says "lay ducting pipe for lighting columns or CCTV installation if every required."

In other correspondence the City of York Council has stated that its policy is to seek street lighting on adopted cycle ways.

In fact, the section of cycle way recently constructed between University Road and Siward's How already had its own street lighting.

The obvious conclusion to be drawn is that shortly after any cycle way is opened there will be calls for it to be illuminated on safety grounds.

The effect of the cycle way will be greater than might at first appear from the planning application.

In addition to the construction of a hard surface dividing the Stray, the proposal will very probably lead to the intrusion of lighting columns and a corridor of bright light across the Stray during the night time.

Whatever the merits of the cycling lobby, there can be little doubt that the construction of a cycle way along this route would seriously undermine the character of Walmgate Stray as it now exists.

Andrew Eccles,

Windmill Lane,

Hull Road,

York.

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