Royal Albert Drive car stunt costs taxpayers £52,000

A brand new £600,000 road surface in Scarborough has been destroyed just a week after it was completed '“ leaving the taxpayer with a bill for £52,000.
The damaged road surface and a discarded tyre at the scene. Pictures by Richard Ponter.The damaged road surface and a discarded tyre at the scene. Pictures by Richard Ponter.
The damaged road surface and a discarded tyre at the scene. Pictures by Richard Ponter.

Emergency repair work is now under way on Royal Albert Drive following a Static Royals car event on Sunday which attracted thousands of people across the country with 500 vehicles on display.

Police are now investigating the incident after the road surface was left shredded with melted rubber stuck to the tarmac near the Oasis Cafe.

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A North Yorkshire County Council spokesman said: “The council spent more than £600,000 repairing and resurfacing Royal Albert Drive, which took several weeks and was completed just over a week ago.

A shredded tyre found at on Royal Albert Drive following the Static Royal car event.A shredded tyre found at on Royal Albert Drive following the Static Royal car event.
A shredded tyre found at on Royal Albert Drive following the Static Royal car event.

“The improvements were made to benefit the local economy and enhance the area for residents and visitors. It is disappointing that more work now needs to be undertaken, resulting in further cost to the public and inconvenience for drivers and residents.”

Ryan Linley, organiser of the car meet, confirmed the culprits were not members of the club and no one condoned their actions.

He said: “We at the club are as disgusted about this as much as everyone else.

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"There is no comeback on the club for this, we did everything that is asked of us.

The damaged road is currently being repaired at a cost of 52,000.The damaged road is currently being repaired at a cost of 52,000.
The damaged road is currently being repaired at a cost of 52,000.

"There is a lot of stress involved in setting these events up with the council and police so it is more frustrating.”

Police received reports at 10.25pm and 10.40pm on Sunday regarding the manner of driving of a black Vauxhall Astra which was causing damage to the road surface outside the Oasis Cafe.

Further calls were made the following morning at 10.15am to report the damage done to the road surface.

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Work started yesterday and is expected to last until tomorrow (Friday). A road closure between the junction with Albert Road and Peasholm Gap roundabout will be in operation from 7.30am to 4.30pm. Parking restrictions will apply around the works area.

Work is ongoing and is expected to finish on Friday - in time for the 10k race on Sunday.Work is ongoing and is expected to finish on Friday - in time for the 10k race on Sunday.
Work is ongoing and is expected to finish on Friday - in time for the 10k race on Sunday.

Cllr Janet Jefferson, who represents Castle Ward, said: “It is appalling and I’m shocked that someone has done this. So much work and money has gone into getting the road resurfaced for somebody to ruin it. It needs to be ready for Sunday’s 10k event.

"Without a grant, the work would not have been done in the first place. Now there is a huge cost implication and it is concerning thinking of future car events.”

However, Mr Linley confirmed plans are well under way for the next Static Royal event in the town in November.

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He said: “We can’t let a couple of idiots ruin it for everyone. If they tried to join in they would not be welcome.”

Anyone who has information which would assist the investigation or any witnesses are asked to contact police on 101 and quote reference 12170185398.

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