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31
Mar 2021
Concerns have been raised for North Yorkshire's rural economy after £13 million of planned roadworks were dropped due to government funding cuts.
North Yorkshire County Council confirmed “a long list” of road repair schemes and projects to prevent highways from deteriorating across its 9,200km road network has been postponed.
It blamed this on receiving less government funding than expected when it set this year’s roadworks programme.
The cuts come as £1 million is being spent on active travel plans in Harrogate, including new cycle lanes and initiatives to encourage walking.
Meanwhile, £7.9 million has been secured from government for the town's Station Gateway project, which could include the pedestrianisation of James Street and a single lane on Station Parade.
The council’s highways boss Cllr Don Mackenzie said he remained hopeful the council would attract additional funding for highways repairs later this year.
He said the authority consistently tried to reduce future repair bills by operating a policy of good maintenance. He said:
In response, Thirsk and Malton Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake said Cllr Dadd had raised “a very good point”, which he would raise with his neighbouring constituency MP and Chancellor, Rishi Sunak.
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