York anti-terror bollards work forces closure of York bistro, manager says

Manager Jonathon Webster said the work had prevented access to the bistro's front door

A bistro in York says it has had to close due to works to install anti-terror bollards in the city centre.

The manager at Mannion & Co on Blake Street said it was warned of the work by City of York Council, but it had not been left the level of access promised.

Jonathon Webster said the work had blocked access to the front door, leading to an 80% fall in customers.

A council spokesperson said further work was planned from 22 January but customers would have "full access".

Mr Webster said: "The space we are talking about was even more restricted until about two or three days ago to the point where two people abreast couldn't walk past it and couldn't get down Blake Street.

"When the gentleman from the council came in we'd heard rumours the anti-terrorist bollards were going in so we knew the work was going to happen to some degree.

"When work started it became extremely obvious straight away that wasn't what was communicated."

City of York Council said it planned to reopen the street by March

There is a sign attached to the temporary fencing asking people to support local businesses during the disruption and another to say businesses are "open as usual".

But Mr Webster said: "The road says road closed, footpath closed, pedestrians go the other way, so we have zero commercial help or support when it comes to flagging that we're still open."

When asked how staff felt when they discovered the access issues, he said "shocked, absolutely shocked".

"We've had customers walk in to try to get in and they've just left."

A City of York Council spokesperson said: "We apologise for any inconvenience this work creates.

"All affected businesses and residents were contacted about this at the end of last year, ahead of works starting on 8 January.

"Works during the week commencing 22 January will require a further access corridor to be created to Mannion & Co, but full access will be maintained for their customers."

The council said it planned to reopen the street by March.