The Bishop of Ripon is urging policymakers to support proposals for a sports village as part of the city’s 1,300-home Clotherholme development.
The Ripon Sports Consortium, which represents many sports groups in the city, has called for the proposed new development to include a dedicated site for sports.
But so far neither Harrogate Borough Council nor Ripon City Council has backed the idea.
The Rt Rev. Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, who is a keen runner, told the Stray Ferret she “fully endorsed the proposal for a sports village on the barracks site”, adding:
“I feel very strongly about this as I believe there is a once in a generation opportunity to achieve something of excellence for Ripon and the surrounding area, and I urge a rethink on the current plans.”
Dr Hartley is a member of Ripon Runners, which is part of the Ripon Sports Consortium.
The consortium also includes Moonglu Cycling Club, Ripon Triathlon NYP, Ripon City AFC Ripon City Panthers JFC, and Ripon City Netball Club.
The Bishop of Ripon The Rt. Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley (Photograph courtesy of the Church of England Diocese of Leeds)
During consultation for the Harrogate Local Plan and Ripon City Plan, the consortium made submissions saying Claro Barracks, which is part of the Ripon Barracks site where the homes could be built, would be an ideal location to develop sports facilities that would serve the city, North Yorkshire, and the wider region.
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Dr Hartley, who took up running in 2018 and runs up to three times a week, hopes her intervention will help to change minds.
She said:
“The current plan would see scattered sites for playing fields with no sense of community centre or a coterminous sports facility.”
The Bishop fully accepts the need for more housing in Ripon – particularly affordable housing – but feels the barracks site also provides an opportunity for a cohesive strategy that benefits those who will live at Clotherholme and the wider community.
Dr Hartley, added:
“In the ongoing coronavirus crisis, we have become acutely aware of the mental and physical health benefits of exercise.
“I joined the Ripon Runners during lockdown and enjoy running because it helps me switch off from the busy nature of my daily routine.
“it’s good to be part of a group that is encouraging, friendly and supportive and when the day job gets tricky I find that this is helpful and affirming and sets me right for the tasks of my role that lie ahead.”
Having personally benefitted from the physical and social aspects of being involved in a running club, Dr Hartley, said:
“It is important to ensure that adequate space for sporting activities is provided, so that people can do this in a safe way, that enhances community cohesion and sense of identity and belonging.”
