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Feb 2021

Transport

Snow forces extended closure of Whinney Lane

Published: 11 Feb 2021, 15:25 GMT

Updated: 11 Feb 2021, 18:19 GMT

by Thomas Barrett

Local residents had hoped the road would be back open by February 28 — but Mike Newell, who lives in Whinney Lane, said he has been told by a housing site manager that the road could now be closed until Easter "at the earliest" due to problems bringing in materials.

The seven-month closure of Whinney Lane in Pannal Ash is likely to be extended, with the county council blaming the recent spell of cold weather.

North Yorkshire County Council closed the road in July 2020 due to the construction of two site access points for the Castle Hill Farm housing development as well as a new roundabout.

Local residents had hoped the road would be back open by February 28 — but Mike Newall, who lives in Whinney Lane, said he has been told by site foreman that the road could now be closed until Easter "at the earliest" due to problems bringing in materials.

He added:

"We understand that the planned works are now running late by some months. At this rate, the road will be shut for over a year!"

Residents mobilise against Whinney Lane developments

Whinney Lane lights ‘like Leeds Bradford Airport runway’

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire County Council confirmed a delay is likely and said residents will soon be informed of exact timescales:

“Works were due to be completed and Whinney Lane re-opened on February 28 2021, but the works programme has been delayed by the severe weather over the last few weeks.

"The developer is progressing to bring the site up to formation level and digging out and installing gullies and assures us they are doing everything possible to carry out the work as quickly as possible.

"However, it is possible the closure will be extended due to the delays caused by the weather. Residents will be informed by letter and email if the closure is to be extended and what the timescale will be.”

An unpopular closure

The extended closure of Whinney Lane has been unpopular with residents and businesses in Pannal Ash. The landlord of local pub the Squinting Cat told the Stray Ferret last summer that it could even put the pub out of business due to it being more difficult for customers to drive there.

To improve access for walkers, a temporary footpath was created through a nearby field. However it faced criticism from residents who said the lights were "as bright as Leeds Bradford Airport runway".

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Snow forces extended closure of Whinney Lane

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An unpopular closure