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15
Feb 2021
Controversial Harrogate road closure starts today
Beech Grove will close to through traffic today as part of a council bid to create a "low traffic neighbourhood".
The road closure will be in place for six months and, depending on the results of a public consultation, could become permanent.
Work to install the signage, bollards and planters will take three days from Monday, weather permitting.
It is hoped the move will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. It will also link to the new Otley Road cycle path, work on which is due to begin in spring.
Residents, refuse collections and emergency services will still have access to the area.
But motorists will no longer be able to get directly from Otley Road to West Park via Beech Grove.
Read more:
- ‘Random road closures not solution’ to Harrogate traffic woes
- Senior councillors defend closure of Harrogate’s Beech Grove
North Yorkshire County Council revealed the proposals two weeks ago and it quickly divided the town into two camps.
Cycling and green groups were in favour, seeing it as a shift towards a more environmentally friendly town.
Harrogate's chamber of commerce and business improvement district raised concerns about the impact on the high street, however.
Residents on the streets have also contacted the Stray Ferret to express their displeasure at the town centre detour now needed to head towards Starbeck or Leeds.
When the cycle route is completed, cyclists will be able to turn from Otley Road onto Beech Grove, which would be free from traffic, and connect with another earmarked cycle route on Victoria Avenue.
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