Stray cycle arguments gather momentum

CONTROVERSY over plans to permit cycling across Harrogate's historic Stray for the first time in its 230-year history is increasing before a final decision is expected next month.

Harrogate Borough Council has started a major consultation to seek opinions about amending a bylaw to allow cycling on the parkland, which is owned by the Queen as part of the Duchy of Lancaster estate.

Nearly 200 more people have backed the plans now, bringing the total number of supporters to 1,018. Almost 250 others have come out against the change.

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Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet member for planning, transport and economic development, Councillor Don Mackenzie, maintained that he was "very pleased" with the support to create six paths for both pedestrians and cyclists at the eastern end of the Stray.

He said: "We must work to improve the town's facilities for cyclists, and to provide this form of transport with safe access from one side of town to the other.

"Many of the Royal Parks allow cycling to the benefit of residents, and I believe it is right that we can devote just a small number of our Stray paths to dual use by pedestrians and cyclists."

Residents have been fiercely divided – with supporters saying the Stray should be enjoyed by all, while opponents argue it is sacrosanct. They claim that nibbling away at the parkland threatens one of the town's greatest assets.

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The Stray was created in 1778 by an Act of Parliament, which fixed its size at 200 acres, requiring any land lost due to road-building and other development to be replaced elsewhere.

Cabinet members will consider the cycling proposals on Wednesday next week, before a final decision is taken by the full council on July 22.