21 MARCH 2007:  THOSE who have long been arguing that there is a pressing need to create a cycleway and pedestrian route from Bilton to Ripley will be pleased to hear that work is underway to develop this proposal.

 

A working group of Harrogate Borough and North Yorkshire County Councillors, landowners and representatives of local interest groups representing cyclists, pedestrians and conservationists has now been established.  Their work will be to develop the former railway line over the Nidd viaduct which is a crucial off road route for cyclists, pedestrians and disabled people for which local campaigners have fought for over 10 years.

 

The route will is strongly supported by Sustrans, the national organisation committed to the development of sustainable transport facilities.

 

The delivery process is at an early stage and a public consultation exercise will shortly be undertaken to seek the views of local residents on the proposal before a planning application is submitted.

 

It will also be necessary to make a Bridleway Creation Order to establish the route and these two processes will offer the opportunity to make formal representation on the proposals.

 

Local Borough Councillor for the Bilton Ward, Councillor Robin Adderley has been appointed Chairman of the Working Group.  He said:   "Harrogate Borough Council has always been keen to see this route opened up. 

 

"This is an exciting opportunity to deliver a high quality, environmentally sensitive cycle and pedestrian route to link the existing network of paths in Harrogate and Knaresborough with Ripley and Nidderdale.  There is much work to do but I urge local people to take part in the planned consultation exercise so we make sure that we get the proposals right and that they benefit all parts of the local community". ENDS

 

 

 

 

NOTE TO EDITORS:  Leaflets which give details of the proposed route and include a consultation form will be delivered to local residents in Bilton, Killinghall and Ripley in the next few days.

 

The views of local residents and all those with an interest in the proposal are important so anyone who would like to contribute to the debate can obtain a consultation leaflet by contacting Melisa Burnham, Harrogate Borough Council's Cycling/ Policy Officer by telephone on 01423 556967 or by email at melisa.burnham@harrogate.gov.uk.

 

There will be public exhibitions with additional information about the proposed route at Bilton Library and Ripley Village Hall between 12th April and 18th May and at Harrogate Library between the 12th and 18th April.