York retailers propose one-way system under post-lockdown 'confidence charter'

A ‘confidence charter’ could see York’s medieval Shambles become one way as businesses consider moves to ensure social distancing can be safely kept within the city’s narrow streets.

The voluntary scheme, proposed by the York Retail Forum, could see a one-way system, hand-sanitiser stations and the use of voluntary wardens to coordinate footfall in the city centre.

While the majority of businesses remain closed to customers under lockdown, members say they are thinking ahead to ensuring safety is key for when the time comes that rules are relaxed.

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“York is a medieval city, with narrow streets and narrow pavements,” said forum chair Phil Pinder. “With social distancing, it will be really hard to navigate. The only way to do is to have a plan, with everybody working together.”

York's famous medieval Shambles, the narrow street deserted under lockdown. Picture: James HardistyYork's famous medieval Shambles, the narrow street deserted under lockdown. Picture: James Hardisty
York's famous medieval Shambles, the narrow street deserted under lockdown. Picture: James Hardisty
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The forum, at its quarterly meeting, saw members meeting over Zoom to discuss options for the city’s retail economy.

While the Government has not yet indicated how it intends to lift the current lockdown, members believe it will come to staged openings and are planning for the year ahead.

“We all hope a cure or a vaccine could be on the horizon, but it could take many months,” said Mr Pinder. “We are trying to minimise the risks as much as we can and keep the city open for business post lockdown.

Parliament Street, York, pictured in early March. Image: James HardistyParliament Street, York, pictured in early March. Image: James Hardisty
Parliament Street, York, pictured in early March. Image: James Hardisty
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“One of the biggest battles in the past few years has been to get pedestrian access,” he adds. “Now, we’re in the middle of a pandemic and this is the only way the city can cope with the future as it looks.”

Voluntary charter

The York Retail Forum incorporates 80 per cent of the city’s businesses, from major retailers such as M&S and Primark to smaller stores such as Mr Pinder’s own The Potions Cauldron on the Shambles. His premises are 2.5m wide, and the street is 2.8m, he said. Were a one-way system introduced, it could mean customers could shop at a safe distance.

Other considerations could see the market moved from its current site on Newgate to its original home on Parliament Street, which is wider and has more outdoor space.

Phil Pinder, pictured in his shop The Potions Cauldron before the lockdown.Phil Pinder, pictured in his shop The Potions Cauldron before the lockdown.
Phil Pinder, pictured in his shop The Potions Cauldron before the lockdown.

“We could call it rules, but we want it to be about a charter,” said Mr Pinder. “We’ve all got to buy into it or it won’t work, and it’s got to work or it’s going to be a blow to retail.

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“It’s about retaining that sense of Yorkshire spirit, being friendly and thinking about others.

“But it has got to be fluid - we might not get it right first time in terms of which streets are one-way. We’ve never done this before. We monitor footfall and traffic, but not which way people walk.

“We need a plan, and to reassure people that we’re doing it right. If we’re the first city to do this, it’s because in York, we’ve got a city that works together.

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