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18
Feb 2021
Could a Claro Road rail station solve Harrogate's congestion?
A Harrogate conservative councillor has suggested a rail station could be built near Claro Road to ease the town's congestion problems.
Paul Haslam, who lives in Bilton and represents the area on both North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate District Council, is gathering support for the idea.
He thinks a station could be built near the footbridge at Dragon Junction between Harrogate and Starbeck stations on the Leeds to York line.
He told the Stray Ferret the station would be a "win-win" for Harrogate because it could reduce traffic congestion on Skipton Road, improve links to the Claro Court Business Centre and improve the quality of life for local residents.
He said it would also promote cycling because of its proximity to the Nidderdale Greenway.
Cllr Haslam said:
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Cllr Haslam said he has had conversations about the idea with North Yorkshire County Council, which would need to undertake a feasibility study to determine costs.
The government is keen to open new rail stations and last year awarded funding to help bring back 'forgotten' stations axed in the Beeching cuts during the 1960s.
A new rail station opened in Wales earlier this week at an estimated cost of £8 million, but it took over 11 years to develop the plans.
The latest station to open in the Harrogate district was Hornbeam Park in 1992, which was used by 400,000 passengers in 2019/20 and is a popular stop for commuters and visitors.
Don Mackenzie, executive member for highways at North Yorkshire County Council, told the Stray Ferret he supported the idea of a Claro Road station.
However, he said that due to a lack of funding the chances of it being built were slim, and that any final decision would be made by Network Rail.
He added:
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