Lincoln Christmas market's one-way system to be reviewed

The council said it would look again at the one-way system.

A one-way system for pedestrians at Lincoln's Christmas market could be reviewed for next year after complaints by traders.

Businesses claimed they lost money on the opening day of the four-day event because of the move.

The one-way system was introduced because of safety fears after overcrowding last year.

The city council said it was considering changes for next year's market.

Richard Baxter, who owns a sweet shop on the Strait and is chairman of the Bottom of the Hill Business Association, said: "The first open day of the one-way system didn't go too well with traders.

"We all lost a lot of money, probably out of those 50 [retailers], 90% lost money with extra staff in place."

But he added that things improved when the council made it two-way at quieter periods.

Fewer visitors

Kate Ellis, City of Lincoln Council's assistant director of planning and regeneration, said: "It was a new system this year.

"There are things we will look at, following the market, that didn't go so well and things that did go well."

It is not yet known how many visited during the market but it is expected to match 2009 figures when about 150,000 people attended.

Last year was a bumper year after it was cancelled because of snow and ice in 2010.