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25
Jun
Well-used Harrogate footbridge closed for safety reasons – until December
Residents in Harrogate are resorting to wading through a river after the council closed a well-used footbridge due to safety concerns.
The grade II listed Spruisty Bridge, which crosses Oak Beck at Knox, is still sturdy, but wooden handrails at either end have become unstable and have been deemed to be unsafe by council inspectors.
As a result, the bridge has now been fenced off and a notice fastened to the temporary barrier says:
This Emergency closure will be followed by a six-month closure until 23rd December 2026.
The notice fastened to the temporary fencing.
The packhorse bridge dates from the 17th century but is still relied on by communities on both sides of the beck to get to work, school, amenities and relatives.
Maxie Schiffmann-Rowinski, who lives nearby, told the Stray Ferret:
I’ve called the council to say that we’ve effectively been cut off from getting the 36 bus to get our children to school. Similarly, children from Knox Mill Lane can’t get the school bus from the Knox.
People are currently walking through the beck to get across.
The notice on the temporary fencing also says that "a local alternative route will be signed on site where appropriate", but the nearest alternative crossing of Oak Beck is the road bridge on the A61 Ripon Road, a route that would add half an hour onto a journey by foot.
The Stray Ferret has contacted North Yorkshire Council to ask why the bridge has been closed, and why it will take until December before it reopens. We will bring you the response when it comes.
The notice also says "access for pedestrians to premises will be maintained at all times". In light of the fact that some residents are wading through the beck to cross it, we have also asked the council what is meant by this.
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