Thank you for your interest in this story

To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Sept 2021

Last Updated: 16/09/2021

Transport

Beech Grove closure to remain in place, despite petition objecting

by Calvin Robinson

| 16 Sept, 2021

County councillors have voted to keep the low traffic neighbourhood scheme on Harrogate's Beech Grove, despite a 770-signature petition calling for it to be scrapped.

The planters on Beech Grove, Harrogate, which were put in place as part of the low traffic neighbourhood scheme.

Harrogate’s low traffic neighbourhood on Beech Grove will remain in place, despite a 770-signature petition calling for it to be removed being lodged.

Councillors on North Yorkshire County Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Committee heard the petition today, which was set up by Harrogate Residents' Association.

It called for the planters, which the county council put in place to encourage walking and cycling, to be removed from both Beech Grove and Lancaster Road junction.

However, councillors voted to keep the scheme in place on the grounds that the council had committed to improving cycling and walking infrastructure in Harrogate town centre.

Council to debate petition to lift Harrogate’s Beech Grove closure

‘It’s working well’: Campaigner counts cyclists using Harrogate’s Beech Grove

Transport leader expects Harrogate’s Beech Grove road closure to be made permanent

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, said that the measure was a small part of a wider scheme.

He said:

“The Beech Grove LTN is a very modest step to what this area constituency committee asked officers to do.

“Namely, to introduce a better system of walking and cycling in Harrogate town centre and also to encourage people out of their cars onto their feet and public transport.”

He added that the scheme was “under constant review” and had a maximum term to be in place until August 2022.

‘Lack of consultation’

Anna McIntee and Lucy Gardner, of Harrogate Residents Association, told the committee that the county council had “failed to consult the community” on the scheme.

They added that the council was “reactive and not proactive” when engaging with people.

Mrs McIntee said:

“The priority [for consultation] should have been the residents on Lancaster Road and Beech Grove and the many residents who do not really use social media.”

But, Kevin Douglas, chair of Harrogate District Cycle Action, said that the scheme had “transformed the experience of cycling” in the town and had a benefit for pedestrians, such as dog walkers.

He added that the scheme would become part of a wider cycle network and help connect Otley Road to Victoria Avenue.

Councillors on the committee voted to note the petition, but continue with the experimental scheme until its conclusion next year.

Thank you for your interest in this story

Beech Grove closure to remain in place, despite petition objecting

Read more:

‘Lack of consultation’