Harrogate Borough Council

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Many pedestrians and cyclists using the college, business and leisure developments at Hornbeam Park have now joined commuters catching the train from Hornbeam halt.  This new bridge will help them as well as the many schoolchildren who walk or cycle to schools in the area. 

 

Hookstone Road isn't wide enough for a footway where it crosses over the railway line and although a footbridge has been provided at the northern side of the road, pedestrian facilities are lacking on the southern side. 

 

Harrogate Borough Council became concerned that some pedestrians were choosing to take the quick route of walking in the road in direct conflict with traffic rather than walking a little further and using the northern footbridge.

 

Councillor Don Mackenzie, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport, added:  "Developments at Hornbeam are proving very popular.  By providing a southern footbridge, pedestrians will be safer.  We hope this new bridge will encourage people to walk to the business park, rather than drive, and others will be encouraged to use the station to catch a train."

 

The council has sought funding from the County Council's local transport plan and £110,000 has been raised from Sustrans the organisation set up to access Government grant for supporting sustainable travel.  Hornbeam Park Development Company has contributed £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.  In the meantime, pedestrian safety remains of paramount importance.  ENDS