Lib Dems challenge Labour’s refusal to consider air quality impacts of Groves closure

York Liberal Democrats are calling for urgent action to monitor the air quality impacts of the recent temporary re-opening of Penley’s Grove Street.

Liberal Democrat councillors highlighted at the time of closure of Penley’s Grove Street, that air quality monitoring had been missed on key sites, including Dodsworth Avenue and were pushing officers to seek the opportunity offered by the temporary re-opening of the street to get valuable information about the impact on key alternative routes. Dodsworth Avenue in Heworth has seen a significant amount of traffic diverted through a busy residential street. They maintain that the temporary re-opening of Penley’s Grove Street, whilst Lord Mayor’s Walk is closed for roadworks, provides a unique opportunity to gather comparative data but despite frequent requests, the new administration has failed to act.

Cllr Nigel Ayre, Leader York Liberal Democrats, said “The clock is ticking, and a vital opportunity will soon be missed. It is clear to people to the East of the city that the closure of Penley’s Grove Street has had a significant impact on traffic on Lord Mayor’s Walk and Dodsworth Avenue. This is unsurprising, as it’s a primary route for people accessing the hospital. It is ridiculous that this monitoring is not taking place and suggests that Labour don’t care about the residents of Dodsworth Avenue and Haxby Road or it’s a smokescreen for further road closures.”