It has been our intention to improve the infrastructure around the district. Much of this is on land owned by North Yorkshire Council (NYC) and, as such, we would need permission for such proposals to happen.
Our second proposal to NYC relates to a green space between Stakesby Road and Byland Road in Whitby, formerly part of Harrowing Drive, as follows.
In Whitby, between Stakesby Road and Byland Road, there is a green corridor. This corridor was historically part of the drive to Harrowing Hall, and its gate and gate posts are still existent, along with 2 gatehouses. This space is a tranquil area for children to play, and for residents to enjoy nature. It is also a connecting active travel path between Stakesby residential and Stakesby Road (which will be an active travel corridor on the Whitby LCWIP).
The problems are as follows.
- Surface : The surface is an ageing tarmac that is very pitted and, as a consequence, not a very pleasant experience for anybody on bicycles, scooters, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- Bollards : At the Byland Road end of the green corridor there are wooden bollards, preventing vehicle access. At the Stakesby Road end there are no bollards and, as a result, vehicles can ingress into this space.
- Seating : There is no seating to enjoy this area.
As seen, the Stakesby Road entrance is solely restricted by (permanently open) gates. The population of this residential area contains double the national average of over 60s. Elderly residents often need seating to be able to rest during a walk, and this green corridor has nothing available, which is a shame given that in summer it is a tranquil space with plenty of shade.
The issue with the surface is beyond the remit of this proposal and so will not be tackled.
In terms of a plan view of the area,
1. Introduction of bollards at the Stakesby Road end
The width of tarmac of the central path (measured from just beyond the side garage of the easterly gatehouse) is the order of 4.5m, with 3m drive length for the easterly gatehouse.
We propose
- adding bollards to the side of the tarmac area of a similar form to those at the Byland Road end, namely 6” square profile wooden posts.
- adding removable bollards in the tarmac area. The spacing of the bollards being set to permit all mobility vehicles, cargo bikes etc, but to prevent motor vehicles. Using the Larpool Lane exit from the Cinder Track as a guide this would imply 2 removable bollards.
2. Introduction of seating
This green corridor is located directly adjacent to large residential areas at both ends. It is of approximately 90m in length, and would easily accommodate 2 benches, reasonable spaced. Nominal locations marked on the plan above, open to consultation.
