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22
Jun 2022
Decision looms on future of Beech Grove low traffic neighbourhood
A final decision on whether to make the Beech Grove low traffic neighbourhood in Harrogate permanent is looming, according to the new county council highways chief.
Cllr Keane Duncan, who succeeded Don Mackenzie as the executive member for access at North Yorkshire County Council, said a decision was “upcoming” on the closure.
The measure was controversially introduced in February 2021 as a temporary one-year to closure in an effort to encourage walking and cycling.
County council officials later extended the trial until August this year.
Cllr Duncan told the Stray Ferret a decision will be taken in the coming months as to whether it stays or not.
He said:
Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways on North Yorkshire County Council.
He added that further consultation would be carried out if the decision to make the closure permanent and seek a traffic regulation order was taken.
Cllr Duncan said:
Station Gateway
In a wide-ranging interview, the Stray Ferret asked Cllr Duncan about his views on the many multi-million pound highways schemes in the district.
On the £10.9 million Station Gateway project, Cllr Duncan said he was fully supportive of the the scheme.
He added, however, that he was willing to listen to cyclists, businesses and people ahead of the the third round of consultation this year.
Cllr Duncan said:
Read more:
- Another consultation to take place on £10.9m Harrogate Station Gateway
- Under-fire infrastructure plans for west Harrogate will cost taxpayers £25,000
Meanwhile, Cllr Duncan said he was keen to press ahead with the second phase of the Otley Road cycle route.
County council officials were due to go out to tender on a construction contract this month with a view to starting work in the autumn.
Cllr Duncan said:
'Getting the balance right'
Cllr Duncan said he felt that that “on the whole” the council was trying to get the balance right on the various schemes across the district.
However, he added that he was aware of concerns over some of the schemes such as the gateway project.
He added:
Look out for an in depth profile with Cllr Keane Duncan on the Stray Ferret later this week.
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