York Press

To better understand York Council's projects, a site survey of York is best. Since, the projects are tackling six different areas; I think it is best to examine them in a bit more detail. But so far, I have gathered that there is a wide range of views and aspects of the city that is troubling its users. There are clearly strong views from people in York, and the York Press is one of them. Being the local paper, they are a good source. People write to the paper to express their opinions on matters as well as providing local news, events and opinions.

I was actually really surprised at the huge numbers of issues that the paper publishes. I managed to get papers from early September till early October, and it is quite clear people are not worried about expressing their opinions to York Press. I feel that the paper does a very good job in balancing the two sides and giving both sides a chance to have their say.  There are tourists and residents complaining, complimenting or criticizing something about every aspect of York. However, understanding the points of views of some of these individuals can be misleading and misrepresenting the whole picture.

In this letter, blames the signs for giving misleading information and confusing for visitors. He also says that “York Council hasn't admitted the signs have caused confusion,”. Then finally, he is worried that businesses will be seriously affected by the bridge closure, due to “council doesn't have a viable alternative for cars”.

After some research into this, it is clear that the council has actually held public meetings as well as inviting traders in the city centre to discussions about the closure of lendal bridge on several occasions:

“Please note that four public exhibitions have already taken place on 7 & 8 August and 11 & 12 September. York's business community were also invited to attend one of two business briefings on 14 August.” (York Council website)

http://www.york.gov.uk/info/200174/planning_and_building_control/686/reinvigorate_york/2

Alternative routes and diversions have already been planned and published online. There is a lot of information on the York Council's website. Whether this just shows that some people have not managed to access this information or confused, there seems to be some poor communication.