Vans forced to turn around as St James Retail Park height barrier sparks backlash

The owner of Knaresborough’s St James Retail Park has responded after customers complained about the closure of its height restriction barrier, which has left some larger vehicles unable to access the stores.

Jonathan Duck, property director at Bramall Properties Limited, which owns the retail park, said the barrier had been closed after travellers entered the site earlier this week - the third time this year.

He said the decision was taken to prevent this happening again and was intended to ensure the car park could be used safely by visitors.

The closure has caused frustration among customers and delivery drivers, with larger vehicles having to turn around or park up away from the stores.

Readers have contacted the Harrogate Advertiser about the restrictions, while complaints have also been posted on social media.

Harrogate resident Steve Riding sent in a video showing an Amazon van having to reverse away from the entrance.

He said: “Deliveries and work vans with ladders stand no chance. I saw three turn round. A delivery driver had to park next to the takeaway van and walk. Crazy. He was walking with a trolley of boxes as he could not get near the stores.”

Mr Duck acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closure, but said the priority was to ensure the car park could be used safely.

In his statement, he said: “We appreciate closing the height restrictor will cause inconvenience to some people but the priority is to ensure the car park can be used safely by visitors.

“There is a rear service yard for people delivering to site and arrangements have been made with McDonald's for their deliveries.

“The situation will be reviewed on a regular basis.”