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30
Sept
Ripon MP calls for review of road closure signs
The Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon has called for a review of how businesses are informed and consulted when road closures and restrictions are put in place across the county.
Sir Julian Smith said he had received concerns that businesses have either received little advance notice of nearby works or have been negatively affected by unclear road closure signage.
Mr Smith added that, in some cases, the actual closure has been further along the road, but this has not been made sufficiently clear on the signage, discouraging customers from visiting.
In a letter to Karl Battersby, corporate director for environment at North Yorkshire Council, and Richard Flinton, chief executive of the authority, the Conservative MP called for the council to review its current communications arrangements and consider earlier engagement with affected businesses before signage decisions are finalised.
Mr Smith said:
Several local businesses have contacted me with concerns about the impact of road closure signage. Signs must clearly indicate when businesses remain open and accessible, so customers are not discouraged from visiting.
This is particularly important in rural areas that rely on visitor trade, where unclear signage can have a significant impact. I recognise that North Yorkshire has the largest network of rural roads in the country and that maintaining them is vital. However, those essential works should be accompanied by clear communication and sensible signage that minimises disruption to local businesses.
I have asked North Yorkshire Council to review its communications with businesses and ensure their views are taken into account before signage is put in place.
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