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5-1 Panel Vote Pushes Market Place Pedestrianisation, July Decision

7/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Council leader Oliver Freeston (Reform UK) reported a panel voted 5-1 for a public consultation on Market Place pedestrianisation.
He said the £160,000 scheme would draw £145,000 from free-parking trial reserves.
The Reform UK cabinet will decide on July 15 whether to adopt the recommendation.
Councilor Paul Henderson (North East Lincolnshire Group – Yarborough) warned another consultation could delay the project.

History

Historical Context

Leeds City Council fully pedestrianised its historic Briggate shopping street in 1996, a key part of the 1990s city-centre regeneration that later boosted retail activity. The Department for Transport recorded a 28 % increase in foot traffic and a £1.3 million retailer uplift in the first year. Reform UK leader Oliver Freeston now proposes a £160,000 Market Place scheme, echoing Leeds’ car-free model.

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Story summary

Council leader Oliver Freeston (Reform UK) reported a panel voted 5-1 for a public consultation on Market Place pedestrianisation.
He said the £160,000 scheme would draw £145,000 from free-parking trial reserves.
The Reform UK cabinet will decide on July 15 whether to adopt the recommendation.
Councilor Paul Henderson (North East Lincolnshire Group – Yarborough) warned another consultation could delay the project.

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