Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
28
Nov
£250,000 allocated to active travel projects in Harrogate and Birstwith
Two active travel schemes in Harrogate and Birstwith look set to go ahead after receiving a funding boost.
North Yorkshire Council wants to spend £212,507 improving the bridleway connection from Hornbeam Park Avenue to Fulwith Mill Lane and Oatlands in Harrogate.
It has also allocated £43,434 to building a footway at the West House Gardens luxury homes development in Birstwith — after developer Newby Homes went into liquidation.
Alexander Kay, senior transport planning officer at the council, said in a report the Harrogate scheme would upgrade the sections of the bridleway from Hornbeam Park to its connection at Oatlands and from the allotments to Hookstone Road.
Mr Kay added:
These upgrades will complement the previously improved central section, which was resurfaced with Flexi-Pave a few years ago. That work was well received by the local community and cycling groups, and it successfully created a more accessible and durable route.
The current proposal seeks to extend the Flexi-Pave surface to the remaining unmade sections. These areas currently consist of uneven terrain, which poses accessibility challenges—particularly in wet conditions— and limits usability for many residents.”
Flexi-Pave is a permeable, slip-resistant material made from recycled rubber and stone. Its porous structure allows rainwater to drain naturally, reducing surface water accumulation and erosion. The material offers long-term durability and significantly lowers future maintenance costs. Upgrading the bridleway will enhance active travel opportunities by providing a safer, more reliable surface for walking, cycling, and horse riding. The route serves as a vital link.
Safety fears
The Birstwith project would involve spending £43,434 to construct 60 metres of footway.
The report said the developer “went into liquidation before securing a Section 278 agreement with the council”, which is a legal agreement that allows developers to make alterations to a highway. It adds:
As a result, there is currently no funding available to complete the missing footway link of circa 60 metres. The new homes are now occupied, but residents — particularly children — are unable to safely walk to Birstwith village or access Birstwith Primary School. The only route involves walking along a steep grassy/muddy verge, which poses a significant health and safety risk. The proposed scheme will provide a new footway.
The council chose the Harrogate and Birstwith schemes from a longlist of well over 100 active travel schemes to advance using Active Travel England funds.
Active Travel England has allocated the council £872,999 for capital projects.
The sum would be divided on four schemes in the county. The other two are a Bawtry Road underpass in Selby and improvements to the Austwick to Clapham bridleway, which would cost £415,278 and £201,780 respectively.
All four schemes should be completed within two years, by the end of March 2028.
Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director for environment and Councillor Malcolm Taylor, the Conservative executive member for highways and transportation, are expected to approve the submission of the four schemes to Active Travel England when they meet tomorrow (November 28).
0