28 JUNE 2006 - HIGHWAY Chiefs at Harrogate Borough Council will be seeking approval this week to apply for planning permission for a new £280,000 footbridge under the council's proposals to improve access across busy Hookstone Road, Harrogate.

 

Many pedestrians using the college, business and leisure developments at Hornbeam Park have now joined commuters catching the train from Hornbeam halt as well as the many children walking to schools in the area.

 

Cabinet Member for Transport and Planning, Councillor Julian Sturdy, said:  "Hookstone Road isn't wide enough to accommodate a footway where it crosses over the railway line and although a footbridge has been provided on the northern side of the road, pedestrian facilities are lacking on the southern side.  We are concerned that some pedestrians are choosing to take the quick route of walking in the road in direct conflict with traffic rather than walk a further few yards to access the footbridge.

 

"Developments at Hornbeam are proving very popular.  By providing this southern footbridge, pedestrians will be safer.  It is hoped that many more will be encouraged to walk to the Business Park, rather than drive, and others will be encouraged to use this station to catch a train.  The council has sought funding from the county council's local transport plan and our thanks are also due to the Hornbeam Park Development Company which is contributing £150,000 towards the scheme."

 

Harrogate Borough Council is continuing its fight to get government to invest locally in traffic reducing measures having identified the negative impact that traffic congestion could have on the economic performance of the district. 

 

Council Leader, Councillor Mike Gardner, said:  "The route to tackling congestion is to work with our partners across the City Region.  We have already seen the first impact of our campaign.  By working with the train operator, West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, development agency Yorkshire Forward and other local authorities, we have managed to secure funding for longer trains on the LeedsHarrogateYork route.  I am attending a meeting next week with all Leaders of councils in the region when important decisions will be made about future plans for tackling congestion.  This will offer opportunities for major investment and improvements being made in public transport.  In the meantime, pedestrian safety remains of paramount importance."     ENDS