Nick Babb

10:00am - 2:00pm

Email the studio

Alison Moyet

Love Resurrection

Listen Live Podcasts

Requests to grit more Harrogate district roads during winter dismissed

Thursday, 15 August 2024 15:26

By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter

A North Yorkshire gritter (Image: North Yorkshire Council)

We might be in the height of summer but North Yorkshire Council has rejected a host of requests from residents to grit more roads around the Harrogate district during the winter.

The council looks after one of the largest road networks in the country at more than 9,000km, with most routes in rural locations that can feel the brunt of cold weather during the winter months.

Council gritting crews are on call 24 hours a day from October until the end of the winter season.

For the 24/25 season, the council has allocated a huge budget of £8.3m for winter services on roads.

This includes gritting ahead of snowfall and ice to ensure that traffic can keep moving.

Each year, the council receives requests from residents and local councillors to prioritise new roads that could be added onto its usual routes.

There were 13 requests in the Harrogate area this year, with many related to roads in Nidderdale, including Careless House Lane near Brimham Rocks, Menwith Hill Road and Dacre Pasture Lane.

There was a request from a resident of Moor Close in Killinghall to grit the road as the resident’s son has a carer who visits daily.

Residents living in the villages of Laverton and Heyshaw also said they worry about being stranded during heavy snow.

However, the council’s Conservative executive member for transport Keane Duncan rejected all but one of the requests, arguing the current route priorities were appropriate.

A report did say that officers will check the number and spacing of grit heaps and bins on each of the routes before the start of the winter season.

The one request that the council will take a closer look at came from Cllr Andrew Murday (Liberal Democrat, Nidderdale), who asked that Trapping Hill to Pot Moor High Road near Lofthouse be upgraded to a higher priority route.

Officers said they would review whether the route could be added and if it could be considered for pre-salting in advance of difficult weather conditions.

You can see which roads the council plans to grit during winter using its interactive map here.

More from Local News

Local MP calls for children to be allowed to attend Great Yorkshire Show

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has spoken in Parliament about adopting a more flexible approach to school term-time holidays.
Specsavers to host Halloween events in Ripon

Children in the local community are being invited to take part in a range of Halloween-themed activities at Specsavers Ripon this half term.
Ripon Rotary President, 83, soars down 60mph zipline for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

83-year-old great-grandmother Alys Allardyce, President of the Rotary Club of Ripon, has completed one of Europe’s fastest zip lines to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Harrogate running group supports women's campaign

Local community running group Early Bird Run Crew is inviting women to take part in its early morning 5km runs on Friday, 31st October, in support of the national campaign Let’s Lift The Curfew, led by This Girl Can.
Survey finds residents overwhelmingly reject Harrogate Spring Water expansion

A new independent community survey has revealed that 86% of Harrogate residents disagree or strongly disagree with the proposed Harrogate Spring Water bottling plant expansion.
Harrogate animal charity recieves huge donation from local business

A Harrogate animal charity has received a major boost after a local pet food company responded to its appeal for help.
Local sports coach launches free online sports courses for Harrogate children

Stuart Owen, a local sports coach, is offering free access to online sports courses for all primary school aged children in the Harrogate area through his social enterprise, Skillabus CIC.
Charity ball raises over £200,000 for children's hospice

Martin House hosted a Glitter Ball at Rudding Park to raise money for Martin House Children's Hospice.
Witnesses asked to come forward following fatal crash in Harrogate

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision near Harrogate.
New Cold Bath Road restaurant announces opening date

A new independent restaurant and bar is preparing to open its doors on Harrogate's Cold Bath Road.
Kids eat free at Zizzi in Harrogate this half term

Families in Harrogate can enjoy a great value meal out this October half term, as Zizzi is offering free kids' meals for members of its loyalty club.
Ripon farmer trapped under tractor for 10 hours rescued by Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The latest episode of Yorkshire Air 999 captures the moment both Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopters were called to a life-threatening farming accident near Ripon.
Entries now open for Harrogate's Christmas shop window competition

Entries are now open for Harrogate's Christmas Shop Window Competition, which is making a return.
Harrogate crash leaves pedestrian in hospital

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a crash involving a pedestrian in Harrogate.
Saint Michael's Hospice to host its first running event in Harrogate

Something new is coming to Harrogate, as Saint Michael's Hospice prepares to launch its first ever Harrogate Run - A Run For Everyone.
Quilting and Sewing Show announces return to Harrogate

The popular Quilting and Sewing Show has confirmed it will return to Harrogate next year.
Opening date revealed for Harrogate's new pizzeria

The opening date of Harrogate’s new highly-anticipated pizzeria has been revealed.
Harrogate girl set to appear in Channel 4 equestrian documentary

A Harrogate schoolgirl is set to appear in a Channel 4 documentary next month after a series of equestrian successes throughout the year.
Knaresborough become first town in county to agree double devolution deal

Knaresborough has become the first town in the county to take over services from North Yorkshire Council as part of a so-called double devolution deal.
How to take the fear out of fireworks, according to Harrogate vet

Bonfire Night is a highlight of the autumn calendar – but while the skies light up with dazzling displays, many of our four-legged friends find it a night of fright rather than delight.