Call to reverse decision on Hull vehicle ban

One business which has operated in the city since 1879, Try Lunn & Co, claims it may have to leave because of the restrictions pedestrianisation will bring.

Accountant Chris Try said councillors from the Riverside area committee had ignored officers’ advice “with no justification whatsoever”.

Officers had advised against the move because of the opposition from the five affected businesses on Princes Dock Street, including Leonardo’s, Cuckoos and McCoy’s cafes.

The town clerk had agreed there was no need for new measures as there were “no evidential safety issues”.

However, it was approved by councillors last September and bollards are expected to go up within weeks.

Mr Try said: “If I have to spend another £50,000 to get premises that are suitable I will not stay in Hull because this is a council one cannot do business with. I would ask that they please re-consider. All the businesses which represent 75 private-sector jobs do not want the scheme. They will all be adversely affected. This morning there were three cars in the seven bays with blue disabled badges.

“I have no doubt that the occupants will be having a cup of tea in one of the cafes. All that activity will be prevented if this goes through.”

Pedestrianisation has also scuppered plans by Trinity House to build a car park on the site of its old school off Princes Dock Street.

In a statement, Hull Council said it had considered businesses’ views, but felt it “would reduce the potential for conflict for those dining by the waterfront and reduce the number of vehicle movements on what will become one of the major access points to the soon to be developed Fruit Market area”.