Shorter Christmas market among review proposals

Future Christmas markets in York could run for a reduced number of days under proposals seeking to improve how city events operate.

Extra blue badge parking spaces, improving bus accessibility, dedicated quiet and rest spaces, more cycle parking and benches are among the council plans for future markets.

City of York Council's leader said the changes were about ensuring future events are safe and "accessible for everyone".

The short-term measures could cost about £70,000, according to a council report, with the move said to be coming ahead of longer term measures in future years.

The proposals are set to go before the council's executive on 3 March and follow a review into city centre events launched after the latest Christmas market in December.

The report stated city centre events contributed towards the overall £2bn generated by York's tourism and visitor sector annually.

Make It York estimates put the amount brought in by the Christmas market alone at between £80m and £100m.

However, the event has received some criticism locally for its impacts on traffic, reports of overcrowding and the restrictions on blue badge access.

An option considered but ruled out by council officials was moving the Christmas market and other events outside the city centre, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Dedicated quiet and rest areas could be set up during events in places such as St Sampson's Centre, Spark or the York Explore Library.

The council's Labour leader Claire Douglas said she wanted to make sure any changes are worked on jointly with those affected.

"In York we are all rightly proud of the wide range of events that take place across the city all year round which bring joy to so many people and significant economic benefits," she said.

"We are clear that events must be accessible to everyone and they must also be safe."

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