Anger at one-way system

Leeds City Council put in a one-way system on the High Street to create more room for shoppers, a plan announced a few weeks ago, but the now introduced plan has not been welcomed.

Chairman of Wetherby Business Association, Paul Finder, told the Wetherby News: “I have taken many calls from angry and frustrated business owners who see their livelihoods being further damaged.

“It is very frustrating that Leeds City Council decided to implement the one-way system to achieve limited footpath widening some five weeks after the Government announced relaxation of the two-metre rule and to do it the day before the wearing of face mask became compulsory, a double whammy for the retail businesses in Wetherby.

“And to add insult to injury, the signage at the entrance to Wetherby has led many shoppers to believe that the town wasn’t accessible due to the signage at the roundabout saying ‘Road closed’ and ‘local access only’.”

He added: “The initial outline plan for the footpath widening was shared with the business association the day before the Government’s announcement that the two-metre rules was being relaxed and we didn’t hear anymore from the council or councillors, so it was a shock to see this system implemented on Thursday morning.”

Sherrin Wright, of The Shoe Tree on the High Street, told the News last Thursday that it was mayhem in the town centre.

“The traffic is locked up in every direction and the buses are crashing trying to get round the corners. It is an absolute nightmare.”

Mr Finder called for further steps to resolve the issues.

He said: “I call on the council to talk to us and look and implement the constructive ideas we have to ensure everyone’s health and safety can be maintained while ensuring that shoppers can still easily come to Wetherby and shop local.”