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Jul 2021

Last Updated: 18/07/2021

Business

James Street planters in Harrogate could be gone today

by John Plummer

| 19 Jul, 2021

The cones in Knaresborough are also set to be removed as part of today's lifting of lockdown restrictions. But the Ginnel in Harrogate is to remain closed to traffic for an unspecified period of time.

Planters were used to prevent parking on James Street during the covid pandemic

The planters on James Street in Harrogate and the cones in Knaresborough are to be removed imminently as part of today's lifting of lockdown restrictions.

However, the Ginnel in Harrogate is to remain closed to traffic for an unspecified period of time to support outdoor hospitality.

The planters and cones were introduced last year as social distancing measures for town centre shoppers.

However, they have proved unpopular with some businesses, which say the loss of parking spaces has affected trade.

Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at North Yorkshire County Council, which is the highways authority, said:

"It is our intention to remove all the social distancing measures and parking suspensions next week.

"I cannot confirm that it will happen on Monday since there may be some clearance work needed on the highways after the Great Yorkshire Show, which closed on Friday evening, but I do hope it may all be completed on Monday.

"The closure of the Ginnel in Harrogate is the only social distancing measure likely to remain in place."

Knaresborough businesses call for social distancing cones to go

Elderly woman waits two hours for ambulance after James Street fall

Asked why the narrow street would stay closed to traffic when the government is lifting all social distancing measures tomorrow, Cllr Mackenzie said:

"The Ginnel is a very narrow, little-used street where closure will remain a little longer to support outdoor hospitality."

Lucy Gardiner, co-founder of Harrogate Residents Association, said it was "extremely pleased" to hear the planters were going. She added:

"After months of writing to the councillors and expressing the many concerns from the retailers and residents it is absolutely the right thing for them to do, to actually show they are listening.

"Convenience is an integral part to the high street, which was highlighted by Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association in his recent presentation to the chamber of commerce.

"There is still demand for traditional shopping methods and Harrogate needs to lead the way for the high street — not became like every other pedestrianised place."

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James Street planters in Harrogate could be gone today

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