Readers' Letters: What is the solution to Harrogate's 'massive congestion' problem?

Readers’ Letters is a free weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The Stray Ferret recently published an article on David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, describing Harorgate’s road conditions as “absolute gridlock”. These comments were left by readers on the article.

One hour 15 minutes to get from St Mary’s Walk to the hospital? Sorry it may have felt like it but I find that hard to believe though there’s no doubt Harrogate has a massive congestion problem.

The solution is to have more buses, create a first class cycle network, prioritise pedestrians not traffic, default (not blanket) 20mph within the urban environment and pedestrianise more of the town centre. Not to encourage more to drive in, which the loudest local business leaders believe is essential. More driving in means congestion on the roads leading in to Harrogate will only get worse.

Malcolm Margolis

Don't think the lord mayor complaining will make a lot of difference they intend to make it worse with this air brained scheme for Station Parade. As someone said earlier the planners with all the house building and nothing done about the infrastructure is diabolical. Those at headquarters know what's best. As long as people have cars they will use them.

William Morritt

It is time David Skaith gave Harrogate some of his attention as so far I have been disappointed in his lack of interest in us.

Andrew Hart

The increase in traffic movements might have something to do with the increase in housebuilding? Maybe the infrastructure is in adequate for the number if journeys now being made.

Patricia Chapman

Who is responsible for Harrogate’s toilets?

On a recent visit to Harrogate, and I only live in Knaresborough, I walked over the bridge from Victoria Car Park. In need of the toilet, I went into the ladies on level 10.

Can someone please find out who is responsible for the upkeep of these toilets, as on entering I found them absolutely disgusting. There are not even seats fitted to the toilets. Does no one regularly check the state of these toilets?

Many tourists visit both Harrogate and Knaresborough and surely the cleanliness of our public loos should be a high priority. Needless to say, I waited until I got home to use my own facilities.

Helen Gatenby, Knaresborough

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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