Residents in Pannal feel “hemmed in” and “isolated” as a result of ongoing roadworks in the area, says the local councillor.
Northern Gas Networks started utility repairs and maintenance work on the A61 Leeds Road near to the traffic lights at the junction with Follifoot Road two weeks ago.
The work, which is due to continue until May 13, includes temporary traffic lights in both directions on the A61 and on Station Road and Follifoot Road.
Cllr John Mann, a Conservative who represents the area on North Yorkshire Council, said the work had led to long queues on Leeds Road in both directions, congestion and rat running, particularly during rush hour times.
He also pointed to ongoing work by Yorkshire Water on Spring Lane, which he said had caused a “near perfect storm” of roadworks.
Cllr Mann said:
“Local residents feel hemmed in and slightly isolated at the moment.
“I have contacted the highways team at North Yorkshire Council and have called for urgent steps to be taken to reduce the effect on traffic, especially in the rush-hour and at school drop off and pick up times.”
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Cllr Mann, along with local resident Brian Dunsby, have both contacted Northern Gas Networks over the matter and urged them to put measures in place to reduce queuing, congestion and rat running.
Cllr Mann added that the utility company had agreed to manually operate the lights and to reduce the temporary lights at the top of Church Lane to a two-way operation.
The Stray Ferret put the concerns over the works in Pannal to Northern Gas Networks, but had not received a response by the time of publication.
The move comes as the company has started further work on Leadhall Lane in Harrogate.
Temporary lights are due to be in place until 7th May as Northern Gas Networks carries out “essential work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas”.
Northern Gas Networks said:
“Ageing metal pipework is being upgraded to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas. Two-way temporary traffic lights are now currently in place on the junction of Leadhall Lane, Church Lane and Green Lane. These will be in place until Tuesday May 7 at the latest. Once this phase is complete, our work will continue down Leadhall Lane towards Leeds Road. It will be necessary to use two way rolling traffic lights whilst this stretch of work is completed.”
Mark Mawhood, operations manager for Northern Gas Networks, said:
“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Harrogate. We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”
Meanwhile, the company is also carrying out repair work on Halfpenny Lane in Knaresborough. The work, which includes a road closure, is due to be completed by May 5.
