A Starbeck resident has expressed concerns about the impact of a footpath closure on wheelchair users and people with pushchairs.

The opening of homeless hostel Fern House this year led to the loss of a much-used footpath next to the bowling club on Spa Lane.

People used to head down from Forest Avenue through Belmont Grove and over what was a car park towards Starbeck Baths.

But since the footpath closed, people coming from Forest Avenue must use Belmont Terrace to access the footpath on the other side of the bowling green and walk down a flight of stairs. Alternatively they have to walk the length of Forest Avenue to High Street and turn down Spa Lane.

Resident Stephen Hunt said the loss of the footpath had been more keenly felt since lockdown ended.

He said his main concern was accessibility problems caused by the steps and the extra length of the journey for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs, such as himself, who used the baths.

He said:

The loss of the footpath was a key concern among Starbeck people during the planning stages for Fern House in May 2018.

Harrogate Borough Council said at the time:

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