North Yorkshire Council responds to downplay Station Parade road closure reports

North Yorkshire Council is downplaying fears that Harrogate drivers are facing the possibility of Station Parade being reduced to one lane for up to two years.

North Yorkshire Council’s interactive roadworks map currently shows that major work is "about to start" on Station Parade for up to two years with the work description Transforming Cities Fun, which is a government finance scheme for Gateway projects such as Harrogate’s.

The map information says that one of the lanes on Station Parade will be closed for some or journeys with delays expected.

The timescale for the work is described as “could run through until 31 August 2028”.

But North Yorkshire has told the Harrogate Advertiser nothing has been settled and no timescale has been decided on.

A spokesperson explained: “The roadworks map shows a Traffic Regulation Order which is a statutory process used by highways authorities.

"The order for the TCF scheme is required for work to take place during this time.

Under the original provisions of the long-delayed £11.2 million Harrogate Gateway improvement scheme for Station Parade which is home to Harrogate’s bus and rail stations, this key town centre road would have been reduced to a single vehicle lane permanently.

A public backlash led to major revisions to the controversial scheme by North Yorkshire Council, including a decision to keep two lanes open for drivers.