To the dismay of Ripon residents, a building site has been erected in the city’s historic market place alongside the city’s Christmas display.
Ripon spent an extra £65,000 on Christmas lights this year, with the tree in the market place the centrepiece of the attraction.
But just two days after the lights were switched on the festive mood soured slightly when Yorkshire Water, which is carrying out emergency sewer repairs on Kirkgate, set up portable cabins right next to the tree in the heart of the city.
The market place has been the centrepiece of the city since the 12th century and is one of the most famous landmarks in the Harrogate district,
Cllr Stuart Martin, the Harrogate district’s mayor, told the Stray Ferret:
“It is not right to put this slap bang in front of a Grade II* Listed Building, next to the Christmas tree. This has obviously caused a lot of upset.
“The positioning could have been better. Hopefully it will be moved in a couple of days.”
The Stray Ferret understands Harrogate Borough Council has asked Yorkshire Water to find a more appropriate place for the cabins.
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In the spirit of making the best of a bad situation, people on a Ripon community group suggested decorating the cabins as giant presents or as Santa’s sleigh.
Another wrote:
“We have so little to look forward to this year. Surely it’s not too much to ask to be able to take a photo of our beautiful square!”
The Stray Ferret approached Yorkshire Water for a comment but had not received a reply by the time of publication.
The company has said Kirkgate will be closed until December 2 and any remaining work will be postponed until the new year.
