Ilkley and Ben Rhydding Councillor, Andrew Loy, has said he is 'delighted' that the installation of a new crossing with traffic island on Skipton Road A65 has now been completed.
The traffic island is on Skipton Road close to the junction of Easby Drive and Stourton Road, which is near All Saints’ Primary School, Hickory House Childcare, Ilkley Tennis Club, and Riverview Nursing Home.
Councillor Loy said:
"Residents have been asking for a safe crossing here for years, and it’s something I’ve been trying to achieve right from when I was first elected in 2022.
"It’s been a long road to get here. Funding for this project was initially agreed back in 2023, followed by a site meeting in December that year when I discussed the location with the traffic engineer. The preference would have been to have the traffic island on the east side of the junction, but the road layout meant that wasn’t possible, so it had to go on the west side instead.
"It was initially intended to be installed just after the 20mph zone, so it’s been frustrating that several factors have delayed this, and I’ve been chasing for progress for several months. However, it’s good to see the traffic island now in place at last and to have been able to work with residents to achieve this.
"The island is large enough for a buggy and will help families walking to school or nursery, as well as anyone walking to the tennis club or riverside, to cross this busy road more safely. It’s a great example of how a really targeted road safety improvement can make a difference.
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