Home / Environment / York Walls: £9,000 Raised in First Year of Donation Scheme
York Walls: £9,000 Raised in First Year of Donation Scheme
6 Oct
Summary
- A trial scheme for York's city walls raised nearly £9,000 in its first year.
- Contactless donation points and online donations contributed to the funds.
- July was the most profitable month, with £1,295 donated.
A conservation fundraising scheme for York's city walls has generated nearly £9,000 within its first year of operation. Installed last September, contactless donation points and online portals have facilitated contributions towards essential stonemasonry maintenance. Figures reveal £8,136 was raised through the 'tap to donate' machines, complemented by £530 in online donations.
These points allow for simple donations of £3, £5, and £10, alongside QR codes providing further information. Council officials noted that maintaining the walls costs approximately £600,000 annually. They suggested that if just 5% of the city's 2.5 million yearly visitors contributed £5, this significant expense could be met. July proved to be the most fruitful month, with donations totaling £1,295, while January saw the lowest contribution at £105.
Local authorities are examining additional locations for donation points, though each presents unique challenges. Councillors expressed hope for the scheme's expansion to other sections of the walls, believing wider accessibility would boost contributions. York's walls, dating largely from the 13th and 14th centuries, are the longest surviving town walls in England, extending over two miles.
