City to outline its one-year economic recovery strategy

As the Government aims to relax restrictions for retailers from 15 June, the council says it is is developing a strategy to build visitor, resident and stakeholder confidence that York is a safe, healthy and attractive place for everyone.

This new strategy forms part of the council’s Recovery and Renewal Strategy.

It will focus on:

• Prioritising active travel (including cycling and walking) by investing in and improving park and cycle sites, increased cycle parking and new cycle routes.
• Providing a short term approach to car travel including incentivised short stay parking in some of the city centre car parks.
• Maintaining confidence in and responding to the short term reduction in capacity on public transport – by working with bus and rail operators to ensure people can continue to use public transport with confidence.
• Creating a people focused city centre including increasing the city centre foot streets and public spaces to create an attractive environment that people can visit with confidence with space to social distance.

Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “With public health, the economic recovery of York is a key priority as we take bold and decisive steps to become a more resilient, safer, healthier and sustainable city.

“Our new strategy is a clear and coherent city-wide plan designed to support economic recovery, lock-in as many of the active transport benefits as possible and be easily adaptable should government restrictions change.

“This plan recognises and invests in the vital role our city’s businesses have played in the community.

“Over the past few weeks we have seen businesses supporting their neighbourhoods like never before, whether delivering food or sharing PPE.  It’s only by taking an integrated approach to York’s recovery that we can confidently return to full economic health.”

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, deputy leader and executive member for transport, said: “This strategy will deliver bold measures to help residents and visitors make more use of active travel like cycling and walking as safe and attractive options.

“Many residents now recognise the considerable health benefits of lower traffic levels and daily exercise.

“To return to something better – making the most of the opportunities to create a ‘new normal’ is critical – keeping us and the people around us safe, in line with latest government guidance.”

The council’s Recovery and Renewal Strategy will be considered at a remote meeting of the Executive meeting on June 25.

In addition, local businesses which have so far missed out on Government support could benefit from grants of up to £10,000, as the council extends its scheme for small and micro businesses in the city.

Businesses are advised to check the criteria and visit www.york.gov.uk/COVIDMicroGrant to prepare key information to apply online.