THE upgrade of Engine Shed Lane in Skipton is to continue following delays caused in part by the coronavirus pandemic.

Craven District Council has said it is committed to the upgrade of both Engine Shed Lane and Ings Lane, and the connection of Ings Lane to the bypass, as part of the wider Skipton employment and housing growth project.

In the meantime, work is continuing as planned on the new council waste management depot on Engine Shed Lane and is currently expected to be completed by July next year. Work started early this year and has involved the temporary relocation of the waste collection staff, equipment and vehicles to Airedale Business Park, Skipton.

Councillors made the decision following a report to last week's policy committee meeting which was discussed in private session.

A spokesperson for Craven District Council said: “The council is committed to upgrading Ings Lane and Engine Shed Lane however a number of delays and issues have resulted in the scheme being several months behind schedule.

“Some of these are due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Technical issues to do with diverting power and telephone lines to allow the roads to be upgraded have played a part in the delay to the scheme and caused an increase to the cost of the project.

“Councillors at Policy Committee were briefed on these issues and they re-affirmed the council’s desire to continue to work with partners, including North Yorkshire County Council to deliver improvements to the road network in and around Skipton.”