The rapidly-deteriorating condition of many Ripon roads came under the spotlight at a virtual meeting yesterday.
Officers from North Yorkshire County Council were invited by Ripon City Council to explain the reason for extended delays to repair and renewal work for roads, including those surrounding the Market Square, Minister Road and Dallamires Lane.
The city council had wanted NYCC to make the meeting, which was held on Teams, open to the media, but in an email exchange yesterday .Karl Battersby, NYCC’s corporate director for business and environmental services, said:
“My position remains that I am not prepared to have the discussion with the media present.”
Minster Road, which runs past Ripon Cathedral, is in need of repairs
In an earlier email, Mr Battersby said:
“Our understanding was that this would be a frank and open discussion in private to try and reach a better understanding together of the possibilities and restrictions. At no point was this to be a press conference.”
After the meeting, city council leader Andrew Williams, who was involved in the email exchange and made the unsuccessful attempt to have it open to journalists and the public, told the Stray Ferret plans to improve Market Place East were agreed. He said:
“I can’t understand why North Yorkshire County Council didn’t want the press and public to be involved. It was cordial and constructive and would have given the officers a means to explain to the wider population the situation they face in Ripon and other parts of the county.
“With the government settlement meaning a loss of £4million from the highways budget, they are strapped for cash, but the officers did understand the concerns raised by myself and other councillors involved in the call.
“We were pleased to hear that a scheme for Market Place East will be drawn up and other areas are being looked at.”
Councillor Williams added:
“While roads in an around the city are in need of repair, we will continue to bang the drum on Ripon’s behalf.”
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