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    19

    Jan 2022

    Last Updated: 19/01/2022
    Business
    Business

    Business groups claim they've been ignored in Station Gateway consultation

    by Connor Creaghan

    | 19 Jan, 2022
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    Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Harrogate Business Improvement District and Independent Harrogate warn the scheme will create 'another 12 months of major disruption and misery' for companies already struggling to get over covid and call on councillors to 'carefully consider the businesses in Harrogate' before voting on the project next week.

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    Three business groups have accused North Yorkshire County Council of ignoring their views and the opinions of residents during the Station Gateway consultation.

    The Stray Ferret revealed yesterday that the county council is set to give the £10.9m project the green light at a meeting on Tuesday next week — even though the latest consultation revealed the majority of respondents feel negatively towards the scheme.

    The gateway scheme will see major changes around Harrogate railway station, including single lane traffic on a stretch of Station Parade and  James Street partly pedestrianised to encourage walking and cycling.

    In a joint letter to members of the county council's executive, which has been recommended to approve the scheme, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Harrogate Business Improvement District and Independent Harrogate warned that work on the scheme would create 'another 12 months of major disruption and misery' for businesses already struggling to get over covid.

    The letter adds:

    "Sadly, the views of the business community have been continually ignored. As have those of other key organisations, in particular Harrogate Civic Society and residents’ organisations who believe what is being proposed will not bring the benefits being espoused. The Conservative Party, of which you are a member, prided itself on being the party of business. Sadly, this doesn’t appear to be the case anymore!
    "For the last two years, town centre businesses have suffered at the hands of the covid pandemic and now you are proposing to add at least another 12-months of major disruption and misery.
    "For you it will be easy to support the proposal in front of you, as of next year North Yorkshire County Council will not exist in its current form and some of you may not even seek re-election.
    "Before you cast your vote, we urge you to carefully consider the businesses in Harrogate town centre and their collective views."





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    The letter also questions the lack of an economic impact survey and says greater consideration should be given to the travel needs of people who come into Harrogate from nearby villages.

    'Welcome boost' to town centre


    The Harrogate scheme is one of three in Yorkshire being paid for by £42m from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

    County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said:

    "These proposals represent the biggest investment in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton town centres in decades.
    "We want to encourage more people to travel by foot, bike and public transport because it is good for health and the environment by promoting fitness and reducing congestion.
    "The spending will also provide a welcome boost for our town centres after two difficult years of trading during the pandemic.
    "We have listened to feedback from the public consultations and are confident people will be pleased with the results."