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25
Apr 2021
Last Updated: 23/04/2021
Stray Views: one-way proposals spark safety concerns in the Saints
A reader in the Saints area expresses safety and environmental concerns about revised traffic control measures in the area. We also have letters about antisocial behaviour and Bilton's iron bridge.
Letters
Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. See below for details on how to contribute.
One-way traffic safety concerns
I fully support the changes specific to Oatlands Road, including the 20mph speed limit, double yellow lines along the Stray and additional safety crossings that will improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. But I am really not sure if speed bumps help. Experience in St Winifred's Road shows that people tend to accelerate between them.
However, I do not support the introduction of one-way controls at St Winifred's Road and St Hilda's Road.
Under this proposal, all traffic from Oatlands wishing to enter St Hilda's Road, St Catherine's Road and St Ronan's Road (about 180 properties) must travel down St Winifred's Road or approach along St Catherine's, St Hilda's or St Leonard's roads from Hookstone or from Wetherby Road at St Winifred's Avenue where there is already a real pinch point.
Traffic will still be allowed to enter St Winifred's Road from St Winifred's Avenue but not allowed to exit onto Oatlands. This means any delivery drivers and visitors will have to do a three-point turn. Refuse collections will need to be re-routed.
From 8.30am every morning there is only single file traffic for the full length of St Winifred's Road due to parking on both sides of the road by Harrogate hospital workers.
Cyclists most certainly will not have a safe passage from St Winifred's Avenue to Oatlands, having to cycle against one-way traffic and three-point turns.
I have tried to envisage what will happen at school drop-off and pick-up time. Many driveways at the Oatlands end of St Winifred's Road are already blocked by cars waiting to pick up children. Imagine delivery and other drivers having to turn around in these circumstances with many schoolchildren passing on the pavements.
There are real safety and environmental concerns raised by the one-way proposal and surely an in-depth and professional study should be undertaken before this proposal progresses further.
David Leah, St Winifred's Road, Harrogate
Bilton's iron bridge was once wooden
I just have to write a small note for those of us who are now quite elderly and who lived in Bilton in their youth. What you now call the iron bridge was known as the wooden bridge as it was, of course, made of wood. It was not dark and gloomy but light and airy and a wonderful place to stand and spot trains!
On another note, thank you for the Stray Ferret. I live in the United States and miss my dear Yorkshire and Harrogate in particular very much so my daily dose of local news brings me great comfort.
Bridgett Parrette, United States
Harrogate needs wardens
As a resident of Harrogate I would love to see some wardens dedicated to keeping the town and park areas free of unsociable behaviour, unsuitable clothing for town wear and littering.
What are the chances of you taking up the cause?
Linda Shackleton, Harrogate
Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.
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