Cones used for social distancing on James Street in Harrogate will be replaced with planters in an effort to make the street more attractive.
Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council will introduce the planters as part of funding from both the European Regional Development Fund and government.
They will also replace the social distancing cones on parts of Albert Street.
It comes as a trial pedestrianisation of James Street was proposed in September, but county council bosses later postponed after pressure from local business owners. It’s unlikely the planters will be welcomed by some shop owners on the street who have opposed the cones and want the return of on-street parking.
Cllr Graham Swift, deputy leader of the borough council and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said:
“We recognise the majority of businesses and stores in Harrogate are currently closed.
“But we hope in the run-up to Christmas, and the anticipation that the current lockdown will be lifted, people will be able to return to the high street and do so safely with the addition of these new eye-catching social distancing measures.”
As well as the planters, additional signs will be put up to reassure shoppers that it is safe to shop on the streets in the run up to Christmas.
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
Parking suspensions will remain in place until the end of January to support social distancing measures, but the county council will continue to monitor and review the situation.
However, suspensions that are currently on Albert Street, between Princes Square and West Park, will be removed and parking will be available
Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, said:
“Our local highways team is working with Harrogate Borough Council’s parks team to install these planters alongside signage that will reinforce the message that it is safe to shop local.
“We are confident that the introduction of more attractive social distancing measures will offer reassurance to the public that they can shop safely and at the same time give much needed support to our local businesses.”
The county council will temporarily close both roads on November 18 and 19 to implement the planters.
It comes as the county council had initially planned a temporary pedestrianisation of James Street.
The measures were criticised by local business owners and landlords, including former Leeds United and England footballer Danny Mills.
After a meeting with local businesses in October, county council bosses decided to postpone the trial until after Christmas.
