Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper says schemes to improve walking and cycling infrastructure in the town “will always cause controversy” but they are essential to reduce emissions.
Cllr Cooper was speaking yesterday evening at a Q+A session for members of the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Coalition, of which he is vice-chair.
Proposals such as the Station Gateway scheme have divided opinion in Harrogate with some welcoming it as a bold step to encourage people out of cars but others believing it will hurt local businesses and shops.
The Stray Ferret asked Cllr Cooper why these schemes have been so divisive and what local politicians can do to ensure they bring all residents along with them.
In response, he said local politicians have “to be honest with people” about the climate challenges ahead and accept that they will not please everyone.
He said:
“You can’t say we support sustainable transport but on the other hand carry on using cars. The two things are not able to be done at the same time.
“Sustainable transport means taking away tarmac from cars to buses, bikes and walking. That will always cause controversy.
He added:
“People want to carry on as they are. If we carry on we’ll never get to net-zero. Travel is one of the biggest emitters. It’s about being honest with people and the putting facts in front of people.”
“Whenever you change things it’s going to be divisive. You’ll never get everyone agreeing with you.
“If people are committed to net-zero they have to realise that we can’t have no change and expect things to get better.”
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Cllr Cooper also responded to a question about the impact of new housing developments on the environment in Yorkshire.
He said that in Harrogate he gets housing developers together with residents to discuss environmental issues.
“I try and get developers together with local residents to talk about how we can get cycle routes or how we can put green barriers in.
“Every developer wants residents to support their development. They will usually be amiable to discussion with residents.”
The Yorkshire and Humber Climate Coalition was set up earlier this year to bring public, private and third sectors together to support climate actions across the region.
Other members include Liz Barber, the CEO of Yorkshire Water, Dan Jarvis MP, the Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, and Professor Andy Gouldson from the University of Leeds.
