Presentation demanded for pedestrianisation plans

A motion put forward by Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones and fellow Conservative councillor Jean Butterfield to urge the county council to withdraw its plans, has been rejected by members at a full meeting of Harrogate council.

But as opposition to the proposals continues to grow, councillors have voted to agree to call on county council highways chiefs for a detailed presentation of the £750,000 plans –to semi-pedestrianise a section of the A61 running through Harrogate town centre and divert traffic around it.

Sue Kramer, who runs Crown Jewellers on Commercial Street, and is helping to co-ordinate the protest against the plans from furious residents and traders, said: “This is another success.

“We have already had the consultation period extended and the county council has bowed down to the pressure again by agreeing to do these explanations about the work going on.

“They wouldn’t be doing this if there was not a huge public outcry.

“We have been absolutely inundated with people pledging their support to our campaign and we already have more than 2,000 signatures on our petition.

“There are an awful lot of people incredibly concerned about this.”

The Harrogate plans – to semi-pedestrianise part of Station Parade and divert traffic onto Cheltenham Mount before looping around and joining the A61 – are part of a massive £2.5m overhaul of the district’s transport network, one of 28 transport strategies being developed by the county council throughout North Yorkshire.

It is hoped the changes will pave the way for a major interchange to be built linking the rail and bus stations.

Coun Gareth Dadd, executive member for highways, said the county council had already agreed to present the plans to Harrogate Council before last week’s vote.

“We are also getting letters of support over this”, he said.

“This is a genuine consultation and we want to hear all views on this – nothing is set in stone.”