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05
Jun
Roadwork frustration mounts as more disruption begins in Harrogate
Residents and business owners expressed anger and frustration this morning after more roadworks started on a major route in Harrogate.
Four days of disruption got underway near the level crossing on Starbeck High Street.
Local postmaster Andrew Hart said he and other businesses were unaware of the work, which he understands is to repair a sinkhole near the level crossing, and the confusion had encouraged people to stay away.
Mr Hart said traffic was able to flow from Harrogate to Knaresborough but vehicles travelling in the opposite direction were being diverted along Forest Avenue and through Hookstone to get to the centre of Harrogate.
He added:
I’ve never known as many roadworks in Harrogate and I have lived here for 36 years. Once upon a time the council would have written to businesses and households informing them of the work so they would have known. Now they seem to take snap decisions without planning it properly.
Robert Harper, who launched a furious assault on North Yorkshire Council after yet more four-way lights appeared outside his business on Otley Road in Killinghall this week, today issued a challenge to the local authority to finish the work on time.
He said the council’s roadworks map indicated work would finish tomorrow, adding:
If the council don’t stick to their word by removing these roadworks entirely tomorrow, the leader of North Yorkshire Council should make a public apology to the thousands of Harrogate motorists who, daily, have to suffer time wasted out of their day, sitting motionless in the horrendous queues caused by this senseless project. If the roadworks do get removed, entirely as promised, by the end of the working day I’ll personally donate £100 to Saint Michael’s Hospice on Friday morning.
Harrogate resident Helen Nash raised concerns about the long-term Leeds Road roadworks and its impact on trade at M&S Simply Food. She sent this photo of the car park looking quiet this morning.
Ms Nash added:
It’s killing business and causing massive headaches right across Harrogate and Knaresborough. Speak to any of the traders on Leeds Road. After the cyberattack at M&S, they are now met with fewer customers at one of their flagship stores.
Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, today repeated his call that businesses should be financially compensated for loss of trade due to the “never-ending roadworks”.
Mr Gordon said firms in his constituency had endured untold misery and nightmares in recent months due to roadworks.
He said:
Constant roadworks have blighted our constituency for too long. Whilst it is important that our roads are looked after, and that infrastructure is renewed and replaced, this needs to be done in balance to the interests of local businesses and stakeholders.
I have had several messages from concerned business owners in Harrogate and Knaresborough, regarding continued roadworks and developments that prevent trade and business. We must support small local businesses – the backbone of our local economy.
Mr Gordon has supported an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill calling for businesses to be financially compensated for loss in trade due to roadworks.
He said the amendment would help businesses as long-term disruption looms in Harrogate due to the £12.6 million Harrogate Station Gateway and major housing developments planned on the west side of Harrogate.
A North Yorkshire Council spokesperson said:
We are always happy to discuss any concerns raised by our residents and businesses.
We would ask anybody who wants to report concerns to get in touch with us via our website at www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/get-touch, so we can respond directly with any advice, support or help.
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