Thursday 6 May 2021

A controversial pedestrianisation trial in part of Beverley’s Saturday Market is set to start next week. Despite generally positive feedback from early consultation, some traders are concerned at the loss of car parking spaces and that poor weather may see it underutilised. Officials at East Riding Council told Beverley FM that the project aims to create a ‘safer space’ by providing an area free of traffic and to encourage more active travel by foot or bike to the town centre. The 18-month trial will start on Monday. It’s expected to form an arc between the Grapes pub and the King’s Head to create an area where hospitality businesses can provide outdoor seating together with more room for pedestrians to socially distance.

A man arrested in high-profile police raids in Beverley two years ago has been found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine after a 4-week trial. 52-year-old Karl Pettitt, who lived at North Bar Without and ran an antiques business in the town, will be sentenced next week. Police described him as an ‘Organised Crime Lord’ and said their suspicions were raised when he was released from prison in 2016 after serving 10 years for drug dealing and was clearly living beyond his means. He was also reported to have manipulated vulnerable people, leaving a trail of debt and misery behind him. One officer told us that locking up such criminals is he comes to work for. Read the full police report here

And a final reminder that the polls are open today for the election of Police and Crime Commissioner for our area together with a number of council by-elections.