There is new hope for pedestrian safety in Calcutt as the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has urged the Council to consider the area for much-needed safety measures after road funding has become available.
Andrew is a long-standing supporter of the Calcutt Speed Action Group, set up by local resident Marc Sturgeon, which aims to persuade North Yorkshire County Council to introduce road safety measures.
One of the main issues is that pedestrians cannot walk from the Calcutt area to town safely as there is no continuous footpath on either side of Blands Hill or Briggate.
Andrew attended a packed meeting at the Union pub in 2010 where residents voiced their concerns. Following the meeting he accompanied the residents to see the problems first hand.
Andrew Jones MP said:
There are many children and elderly people living in the area and that is why it is important we make it safe for pedestrians.
Andrew handed a petition signed by over 300 residents to the County Council, appealing for help.
The County Council responded by conducting a speed survey in Calcutt but still declined funding saying that it did not meet their criteria for intervention.
Recently the Council has decided not to go ahead with town centre road narrowing projects in Harrogate meaning that around £900,000 is now available for spending elsewhere.
Andrew has written to David Bowe, Corporate Director of Business and Environment at North Yorkshire County Council asking him to consider Calcutt for funding.
In the letter Andrew said:
I strongly support the inclusion of this issue as a priority for funding.
It has strong continuing public support, improves road safety for pedestrians and vehicles and encourages people to walk by providing safe routes to and from the town centre.
