Works to repair and re-open Danger Bank have been put back until next year.
An update from North Yorkshire Council (NYC) says further slippages and landslides on the back road between Larpool and Ruswarp over winter mean the repair scheme which had originally been drawn up is “no longer considered feasible”.
A spokesperson says the plans cannot be amended in time to allow the works to proceed this year as planned.
When The Anchor asked NYC, less than two months ago, for an update on a scheme to repair the road at Glen Esk, known locally as Danger Bank, it was told the tender process for appointing a contractor to carry was due to begin soon and repairs expected to be carried out this year.
However, the latest position was set out on Friday when the NYC’s Scarborough and Whitby area committee meeting was questioned by Coun Linda Wilde of Whitby Town Council.
Coun Wilde asked: “This road has been closed for 18 months causing local traffic to take longer alternative routes thus causing congestion elsewhere.
“NYC indicate they have been reviewing funding and as a result major repairs to this road will take place later this year 2026. Can NYC confirm funding is in place and the necessary repairs to Danger Bank will be undertaken in 2026 to rectify this long-standing problem that causes great inconvenience to local traffic and all?”
A written response from NYC which was read to the meeting stated: “Design and funding were in place for the repair works to be carried out in 2026. However, following further extensive slippage over the winter period, the original design is no longer considered feasible and it cannot be amended in time to allow the works to proceed this year.
“An options review is currently underway with a revised design to be developed this year with the aim of delivering the works as soon as possible in 2027.”
Coun Wilde said the situation was in danger of becoming impossible to resolve and was hampering a congestion problem in Whitby which was becoming all-year round.
She added: “I’m very, very disappointed on behalf of the people in Whitby that this this is not going to be done till ‘27. The longer this goes on the more slippage and more impossible the situation will be.”
