Businesses debated pedestrianising a key Harrogate street with North Yorkshire County Council for the first time last night.
The plans to stop traffic from entering James Street could still come into force as early as October. It is expected to last up to six months but there is still no set date for the start.
Some raised concerns at the meeting about the look of traffic cones at the meeting last night. However, the council has mooted tree planters as a replacement.
The County Council met virtually with business managers, landlords, Harrogate BID and the Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
Read more:
- James Street pedestrianisation ‘timely and appropriate’, says council
- Hoopers store warns: ‘Harrogate is not bulletproof anymore’
- Two thirds of James Street businesses against full pedestrianisation, says BID
Bob Kennedy, of Porters and G23, told the Stray Ferret that the meeting was “courteous” but still has reservations:
“There is a debate to be had about pedestrianisation in the long term. But I do not think it is the right time to hold a trial run. Christmas will be a crucial time for many businesses and this plan to temporarily pedestrianise James Street may be detrimental.”
David Steca, of Steca Barbering, posted a picture of James Street with barely a shopper in sight:
“The reputed busiest shopping street in the affluent up market town of Harrogate at 10am on Wednesday. Please now take the cones away they help nothing. People are not stupid they can distance. See the full picture or more vacant shops.”
The Stray Ferret approached North Yorkshire County Council for a comment. We received no reply by the time of publication.
