Snickelways to become safer with new lighting

An image of how the lighting could look in one of the snickelways

A city’s historic alleys could soon become safer as plans have been put forward for new lighting.

York Bid has submitted a series of applications to the council to install permanent festoon lighting in six narrow streets or alleys, known as snickelways.

Those identified for the improvements include Coffee Yard, Finkle Street, Lunds Court, Nether Hornpot Lane, Le Kyrk Alley and Popes Head Alley.

The application stated that York Bid wants to improve the lighting to the snickelways to “make these pedestrian routes safer and more attractive”.

The application said: “Indeed it is considered the lighting will make these snickelways more welcoming and encourage pedestrians to explore these ancient routes and historic buildings.

“It is considered this will result in a positive impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

The project has also been supported by grants from Safer York Business Partnership and York Civic Trust.

The application also said the term snickelways is a term coined by York Civic Trust to cover the city’s snickets, ginnels and alleyways.

York City Centre is known for its narrow alleyways

The work would also involve the lighting brackets being fixed onto various listed buildings.

If approved, the project is expected to be put in place later this year.

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