Residents still waiting for letters about Otley Road cycling plans

Some Harrogate residents are still waiting to receive letters about the latest cycle plans for Otley Road and Beech Grove — even though a meeting to discuss the scheme is due to be held today.

North Yorkshire County Council announced on October 19 it would hold “further public engagement on phase two of Otley Road cycle route, its links with Beech Grove and the town centre”.

It added “letters to residents in the vicinity of the scheme will be delivered next week”.

But some homes have yet to receive them, even though a meet-the-designer event is due to be held at the civic centre today.

Melisa Burnham, highways area manager, said:

“Over 1,400 letters were distributed during the week commencing October 24 in the vicinity of Otley Road, Beech Grove, Victoria Road and Queens Road.

“We have however been made aware of some pocketed locations where letters have not been received and we have been working to get these letters distributed this week.”

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Asked how many homes had not received the letter, a council spokeswoman said it “wouldn’t know the exact figure”. The letters were posted by Royal Mail and the council has reissued them when they were alerted to problems.

Barry Adams, who lives on Otley Road, said hardly anyone he had spoken to was aware of the consultation, which he described as a “sham”. He added:

“It’s so typical of Area 6 highways when they organise any public consultation and has happened before.  In my opinion they should start the whole process again and do it properly this time.”

Views on cycling

The public engagement opened last month as part of the latest bid to promote active travel in the town.

The council is asking residents and people who travel in Harrogate to suggest what improvements could be made to the area on and around Oatlands Drive.

It is also consulting on phase two of Otley Road cycle route, its links with Beech Grove and the town centre ahead of construction.

It is hoped the proposed schemes will encourage residents and visitors to opt for walking and cycling and reduce traffic congestion.

Three options for the Otley Road route are being considered. Today’s meet the designer event at the civic centre from 4.30pm to 7pm will give stakeholder groups and residents the opportunity to discuss the options.

The results will be considered this month with construction due to begin in summer next year.