North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to demolish the main building at Harrogate College and build a hub to train students in green technology.

The £22m proposals will see new state-of-the-art facilities at the Hornbeam Park college including a mock hospital ward, digital technology suite, electric vehicle workshop and a construction centre focused on modern building methods.

The college said it hopes it will become a “centre of renewable and sustainable excellence”.

Harrogate College, part of the Luminate Education Group, caters to a range of full and part-time students, including offering apprenticeships as well as education for adults.

The plans were approved by a council officer last week and the project is expected to be completed by July 2025.

Planning documents state the main office block that was built in the 1980s has fallen into disrepair.

The replacement will be 2,000 square metres smaller than the former building which documents said will make education more efficient and streamlined for students.

The plans received 28 objections with some people unhappy with a reconfigured car park that will see the number of spaces reduced from 242 to 88.

However, the college said there is an over-provision of parking at the current car park of 48%.

Danny Wild, principal of Harrogate College, said the approval was “great news for the college, town and North Yorkshire.”

He said:

“This £22 million redevelopment will enable us to upgrade our campus to enhance our industry-standard training facilities, including an electric vehicle workshop, mock hospital ward, and a renewable energy technology hub.

“It will help us provide even more targeted support for local employers by tailoring our training to produce the skilled workers they need to plug gaps and prosper. The main building phase of our project is set to be completed for the 2025-26 academic year and we look forward to welcoming students, parents and guests into our new campus.”

Mr Wil added:

“To minimise any impact in the local area we are instructing staff not to drive to college but to switch to public transport instead, and we will be covering the parking costs of all colleagues who do so.

“We will also be employing staff to patrol the local area to ensure things go smoothly, and disruption is kept to a minimum, during the construction. We’ll be formalising those details, and other arrangements including those for our contractors, as part of the conditions attached to the planning permission.”

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s garden has been crowned best in show at the Harrogate Flower Show 2024.

The charity’s Reflection and Remembrance Garden encompasses the service that the organisation provides, while providing tranquil space for those who have been affected by the work of the air ambulance to remember and reflect.

Designed by Kate Smithson, a York-based horticulturist, in collaboration with landscaper Nick Fryer and his team, the garden was awarded the prestigious accolade because judges felt it was ‘well scaled and in proportion… an excellent garden that followed the brief closely’.

Tessa Klemz, regional fundraising manager for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said:

“The garden has far exceeded our expectations and it’s been wonderful to have so much lovely feedback from the show visitors too who all love it as much as we do.

“Kate’s design captures exactly what we were looking for — to create a place of memories, tranquillity and peacefulness and we cannot thank her enough for the time and effort she’s put into the garden over many months.

“And also, to our landscaper Nick Fryer and his team who have taken Kate’s concept and built it to make it a reality – their craftsmanship on the project is outstanding.”

(Image: YAA)

The main feature of the garden is a yellow pergola, representing the blades and colour of the air ambulance helicopters, with the planting and central water feature celebrating the varied landscapes of Yorkshire.

Kate Smithson added:

“I am absolutely thrilled to have not only been awarded a premier gold award, but also to be given the accolade of best in show.

“It has been a real honour and privilege to have designed this garden for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and to work with such a talented landscaper in Nick Fryer and his team.”

The garden will now move to its permanent home in Roundhay Park, near Leeds, where it is expected to be officially unveiled this year.

Designer Kate Smithson (Image: YAA)

Yorkshire Air Ambulance plans to utilise the garden for future fundraising and awareness too, allowing the public to leave lasting dedications to loved ones or as individuals who have used the service.

The garden was funded through charitable donations and sponsorship from organisations that include Redmayne Bentley, The North of England Horticultural Society, Woods of Harrogate, The Arnold Burton Charitable Trust, RB Gray Charitable Trust, Ilkley Charitable Trust, and The Peacock (Leeds) Trust.

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Harrogate has been named as the 17th best shopping destination in the UK in a new study.

Commercial real estate company Newmark analysed the health of 1,000 UK retail centres based on factors including retail unit vacancy rate, the change in vacancy rate, space being adapted for other uses, shopper spend per annum and footfall figures.

The company’s Vitality Rankings, which have been produced annually since 2014, this year ranked Harrogate in the top 25 best places to shop — ahead of York and Leeds.

The top 25 was dominated by southern locations. Cambridge city centre was named as the best place to shop, ahead of Cobham in Surrey and then five London locations.

The only northern locations to finish higher than Harrogate, which was ranked 15th last year, were Chester city centre in eighth and Ilkley, in 13th.

Newmark director Andy Metherell said in the introduction to the report:

“Luxury destinations have performed better this year than in the past: the demise of tax-free shopping may be affecting overall sales in these locations, but their retail vitality compared to other centres is stronger – particularly benefiting from tourism and the presence of high-net wealth individuals who are unaffected by cost of living.

“These specific trading dynamics may being boost luxury locations specifically, but overall the health of retail centres across the UK is looking better than at anytime in the past three years.”

Newmark Retail Vitality Rankings 2024, Top 25 Retail Centres. Source: Newmark

Read the full report here.

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This story is sponsored by Glampfest, Suds with Buds, Malton Food Lovers Festival and Spiegeltent.

Glampfest

About: Step into the magic of Glampfest, the beloved family festival just a five minute drive away from Knaresborough. Prepare for a weekend overflowing with laughter, adventure, and live music, promising an unforgettable experience for every member of the family.

With the option to camp for the entire weekend or simply join for a day of excitement with a Saturday day ticket, there’s a way for everyone to take part in the festivities.

As Glampfest celebrates our seventh year, it has become known for its family-friendly atmosphere, boasting a vibrant array of traders, delicious street food sure to satisfy every craving, and an outstanding line-up of live performances that will have you dancing the night away.

But the fun doesn’t stop there – dive into a whirlwind of activities, from quirky quizzes to lively bingo games, from circus workshops to drumming sessions, where all ages are welcome.

(Image: Glampfest)

The little ones are sure to be kept busy with party games and sports activities designed just for them, ensuring smiles throughout the weekend.

And let’s not forget about the renowned silent disco. Slip on your headphones and choose from three channels to dance along to, or head to the acoustic stage to discover hidden musical gems from across Yorkshire.

Excitingly, 2024 marks the debut of a Wellness Tent, a sanctuary where families can unwind and recharge amidst the festival bustle. From yoga to meditation, indulge in moments of tranquillity and connection together.

Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a newcomer to the scene, pack your bags and join Glampfest for a weekend filled with fun.

About: Rooster’s Brewing Co. will be playing host to the 2024 instalment of Suds With Buds, the Harrogate-based brewery’s invitational beer, street food and live music festival. Taking place on Saturday June 29th and spanning the combined site of the brewery, yard, taproom, event bar and beer garden, tickets are now on sale at the Rooster’s website.

The inaugural event took place in 2023 as part of Rooster’s 30th anniversary celebrations and proved to be such a success that it’s expected to sell-out once again, despite capacity having been increased for 2024.

Suds With Buds will once again deliver a line-up of over 100 exceptional beers from some of the UK’s most respected and talked-about breweries, including for the first time, Kernel, DEYA, Burnt Mill, Track, and Marble.

Stiegl from Austria and Spanish brewery, Peninsular will also be pouring their beers. On top of the beers, there will be four street food traders serving up some of the tastiest food the North has to offer, across an eclectic mix of styles and dietary requirements.

(Image: Suds with Buds)

Rooster’s will be announcing who each of the traders are in the run-up to the event. The purpose-built live music stage in the beer garden will play host to some fantastic musical talent from the Harrogate area and from further afield too – ideal for pairing with a few tasty suds with your buds.

The single-session event will run from 2pm – 8pm and is ticket-only entrance, with the taproom closed to non-festival goers on the day.

Malton Food Lovers Festival

About:  Taking place across the historic market town of Malton, North Yorkshire, the Malton Food Lovers Festival is a celebration of seasonal local produce and Yorkshire’s finest cooking. Expect artisan food stalls, street food, live music, family entertainment, chef demos, producer talks and more.

There’s also the popular Malton Sculpture Trail too – there really is something for everyone! Malton’s family foodie extravaganza is a festival like no other – a giant celebration, a huge gourmet street party – ‘Yorkshire’s Foodie Glastonbury’ is back for 2024.

With over 100 food stalls confirmed, an exciting itinerary of chef demos and ‘sofa chats’ with celebrated local chefs on the main stage, there’ll be plenty to enjoy. All the demos on the main stage are free of charge.

Younger family members can enjoy the festival too, with Be Amazing Arts hosting a series of children’s activities and workshops over the whole bank holiday weekend and Magical Quests North will be running free shows in Kemp’s Courtyard as well.

(Image: Malton Food Festival)

The Malton Food Lovers Festival is free to enter, and the fun begins at 9am on Saturday, and 10am on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

There are designated festival Park & Ride car parks operating at a small charge each day. The Park & Ride service will be available at each entrance to Malton from the A64, with a regular shuttle bus service direct to the event entrance.

Malton is also easily accessible by train or bus with an hourly service on the Liverpool to Scarborough line and the award-winning Yorkshire Coastliner service – the station is just a 10 minute walk from the festival entrance.

Harrogate Spiegeltent

About: With its bohemian mirrored walls, wooden floors, red velvet booths and lamped lighting, the Spiegeltent is a unique and magical venue, much-loved by festival-goers from Harrogate and beyond.

Returning to Crescent Gardens from June 28 – July 7, 2024, the Spiegeltent, sponsored by Ogden of Harrogate, will host a vibrant party in town this summer, with nine days of music and entertainment in a lineup that includes cabaret, jazz, soul, dance, burlesque and more.

Drag queen superstar Divina De Campo opens on June 28 with a glamourous evening of cabaret, whilst Festival favourites The Gypsy Queens and the feather-ruffling House of Burlesque with their iconic silent disco are back to join this year’s line-up.

Also making a welcome return is the hugely talented British jazz singer Jo Harrop, who has garnered a host of awards and rave reviews – and performed sell-out gigs at Ronnie Scott’s. And of course, Harrogate’s legendary nightclub, Jimmy’s, is also back by popular demand with DJ Trev hitting the decks.

(Image: Richard Maude for Harrogate International Festivals)

Bradford-based dance company Punjabi Roots, who went down a storm at last year’s Harrogate Carnival, will make their Spiegeltent debut, along with contemporary soul singer Mica Sefia.

Classical music fans will love the prize-winning Gildas Quartet, famed for exploring new ways of performing classical music, whilst the brilliant Maxwell Quartet will perform on Sunday, July 7, bringing their signature mix of folk tunes and a smattering of classical favourites as the Spiegeltent draws to a close.

Keep an eye out for the Children’s Festival on July 6 – 7, as well as yoga, sound baths and a series of daytime activities throughout the week. There’s something for everyone down at the Spiegeltent, so get the dates in your diary and book now for an unforgettable night out in a magnificent venue.

North Yorkshire Council has scrapped plans to create cycle lanes on Harrogate’s Victoria Avenue.

The council today announced it was holding a month-long consultation on proposals to change the wide avenue where the library is located.

The proposals include making the junction with Belford Road left-turn only and measures to prevent drivers illegally travelling straight ahead from Beech Grove to Victoria Avenue.

The consultation will focus purely on pedestrians and motorists — even though the council had identified Victoria Avenue as a “priority route” for cycling and announced last year it intended to create segregated cycle lanes 1.5 metres wide and buffer zones on both sides of the avenue.

A letter to residents announcing the consultation said:

“Unfortunately budgetary constraints mean that the previously envisaged cycle lanes cannot be included within this initial phase of this Victoria Avenue scheme.

“Following advice from Active Travel England, we have therefore concentrated on improvements for pedestrians and improvements to the public realm.”

The new proposals include:

• Signalisation of the pedestrian crossing at the junction Victoria Avenue and Station Parade to add a pedestrian phase, upgrade of the existing uncontrolled crossing at the junction of Victoria Avenue and West Park to a signalised pedestrian crossing
• Addition of tactile paving across all side roads
• A new bus stop outside the United Reformed Church and associated paving upgrades
• Relocation of the existing staggered zebra crossing and introduction of an in-line zebra crossing
• Removing some parking bays to facilitate access to the new bus stop
• Making the junction with Belford Road “Left Turn Only”
• Improvements to existing paving and benches
• Improved decorative street and footway lighting
• New ticket machines for kerb side parking bays
• Layout changes to prevent vehicles from making illegal straight ahead movement from Beech Grove to Victoria Avenue.

It is hoped the work will take place in autumn this year.

Victoria Avenue

Victoria Avenue was regarded as a key part of plans to create a joined-up, off-road cycling route from the train and bus stations to Cardale Park.

But with the second phase of the Otley Road cycleway abandoned, along with traffic calming measures on Beech Grove, today’s news is another blow to those campaigning for a greener town centre better suited to cycling.

Active Travel England, the government body that promotes walking and cycling, awarded the council funding to deliver a scheme on Victoria Avenue  in November 2020.

Today’s announcement said “design development work has been ongoing” since then.

The letter to residents said:

“The works proposed support North Yorkshire Council’s desire and vision to increase active travel in and around Harrogate town centre by proposing a number of measures to increase pedestrian safety as well as improved bus provision.

“Whilst unfortunately is it not possible to include the desired cycle lanes within this proposed scheme, the proposed works will not prevent the installation of the cycle lanes in the future, and this will be the ambition within a future funding bid. North Yorkshire Council is committed to delivering a cycle scheme on Victoria Avenue.

Consultation on the proposals ends on May 12. As part of this, an engagement session will take place from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, May 7 at the council office. The address is Stray Room, St Luke’s Mount, Harrogate HG1 2AE.

To comment, you can email Area6.Boroughbridge@northyorks.gov.uk using ‘Victoria Avenue ATF 2 Consultation’ in the title of your email or letter.

Or post comments to: NYC Highways, Area 6 Boroughbridge Office, Stump Cross, Boroughbridge YO51 9HU

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A Harrogate family whose home was devastated by fire has launched a crowdfunding appeal.

Mikey Donald said his parents’ home insurance had lapsed a month before Friday’s fire, which ripped through the garage and house on Avenue Close in Starbeck.

You can read about the incident here.

In his appeal post, Mr Donald posted photos showing the impact of the fire and said he was “reaching out for support during one of the toughest times my family has faced”.

The car and garage were ruined by fire.

The bedroom

He said his dad Mike Donald, 58, was disposing of paperwork when fire broke out:

“A sudden gust of wind sparked a fire that engulfed our garage and home. Miraculously, no one was harmed, but the flames ravaged everything we held dear, leaving behind only memories amidst the ashes.

“To add to the hardship, we learned that our insurance had lapsed just a month before the incident, leaving us vulnerable and without coverage. Now, we’re faced with the daunting task of rebuilding our home from scratch, a journey filled with uncertainty and challenges.”

Mr Donald said his father’s partner Rhona Andrew, 57, was an NHS nurse who had “devoted her life to caring for others” and was awaiting kidney and pancreas transplants due to declining health.

He added his father, a joiner, was “always lending a helping hand in our Starbeck community”.

Mr Donald said:

“Your kindness and support mean everything to us during this dark chapter. Every contribution, no matter the size, will directly aid my dad in rebuilding our family’s home and restoring hope in our hearts. Thank you, from the depths of our souls, for considering to stand by us in our time of need.”

More than 120 people had donated a total of around £2,500 by last night. You can donate here

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Plans have been  submitted to create three wildlife ponds at Breaks Fold Farm in the Washburn Valley.

The farm has submitted the propsoal to North Yorkshire Council to create the ponds, as well as the creation of scrape habitat and associated trenches, dams, spoils.

According to planning documents, the farm covers 90 hectares and the site has been used as agricultural land for more than a century.

The farm also runs a glamping site of tents and campervans. Johnny Vegas previously tried to set up a glamping site on the farm but left after ‘struggling to cope’ with the weather. 

In the application document, questions were raised about how necessary the ponds are for agriculture.

Breaks Fold Farm plans for wildlife ponds

The applicants responded:

“Increasing biodiversity on agricultural holdings through wetland creation provides environmental income, therefore justifiable for the purpose of agriculture.

“Wildlife ponds are designed to provide enriched habitat and contribute to sustainable drainage.”

The Stray Ferret has contacted Breaks Fold Farm for further details but has not yet received a response.

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A Harrogate fish and chip shop looks set to come under new management.

The Wharfe of Harrogate published a statement on social media on April 26 announcing it will be “leaving The Wharfes and trading from Bradleys” from May 12.

It is believed the owner of Bradleys fish and chip shops has been running The Wharfe of Harrogate until recently.

The post also said:

“On behalf of The Wharfe, we would like to thank all of our loyal customers who have supported us in the past few years.

“We just wanted to give people the heads up that Saturday, May 11, is our last day at The Wharfe chip shop on Skipton Road.”

The Wharfe of Harrogate is the trading name of Ocean Crown Harrogate Ltd, a company that entered liquidation in February.

According to online public records journal The Gazette, Restart Business Turnaround Insolvency Limited was appointed to wind-up the company on February 29.

A statement of affairs, uploaded to Companies House, shows HMRC was among creditors and was owed more than £228,000 in VAT payments by the company.

Bradleys – which has sites in Starbeck, Northallerton, Scarborough and York – took over the iconic Graveleys of Harrogate unit in February.

It is understood The Wharfe will continue to trade under new management.

The Stray Ferret has tried extensively to contact The Wharfe of Harrogate for further information about the changes, but has received no response.

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Boroughbridge based Green-tech has been awarded the title of ‘Employer of the Year’ at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024.

Green-tech is the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and forestry products and is based at Rabbit Hill Business Park, just off the A168 near Boroughbridge.

The ProLandscaper Business Awards recognise outstanding achievements and innovation across the landscaping industry.

Green-tech was among six finalists for the award. The awards ceremony was held in London on April 19.

Green-tech’s managing director Kris Nellist said:

“We are incredibly honoured to be named Employer of the Year at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024. Green-tech strives to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. Winning this award not only validates our efforts but is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of the Green-tech team for working to get Green-tech where it is today.”

Harrogate law firm promotes new head of family law

Head of family law at LCF Law, Harjit Rait

A Harrogate law firm has announced a new head of its family law department.

LCF Law’s has confirmed that Harjit Rait will lead the department following her promotion. She is a Resolution accredited specialist family lawyer.

Ms Rait said:

“During my time at LCF Law I have been fortunate to help many people at difficult times in their lives. My clients and my work, are both hugely important to me. In my new role I will continue to work with my own clients and support everyone in the family law team, but I will also become more involved with the strategic development of the department, which is something I’m looking forward to.”

LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said:

“I’ve known Harjit since our university days, and I can confidently say she has the right personality and skills for the role. She builds excellent relationships with her clients, is a fabulous networker and is very supportive of the development of others. Her talent for forging and maintaining excellent working relationships during her 22-year legal career will stand her in good stead as she continues to build on the successes of our trusted family law team.”

Theakston’s Brewery continues cricket sponsorship

Simon Theakston, chairman of Theakston’s Brewery.

T&R Theakston is set to sponsor the Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League for another season.

The brewery has sponsored the league for over a decade. England Test player Jonny Bairstow and Yorkshire players Ben Coad, Jonny Tattersall and Finlay Bean all started their junior cricket careers in the Nidderdale League.

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the league’s founding, making it one of the oldest and largest village cricket leagues in the country.

Chairman of Theakston’s Brewery, Simon Theakston said:

“We’re very proud to be entering our 15th season of supporting the Theakston Nidderdale Cricket League. The League, under the expert guidance of Sir Thomas, is the cornerstone of North Yorkshire community sporting activity and has been for very many years. Much like the local pub, the village cricket club holds a significant role as a place to feel welcome, to belong, meet friends and share experiences. With Theakston beers on hand to toast their successes and commiserate any losses, we wish the teams taking part in this year’s league all the best for the season ahead.”

Harrogate Clothes Bank announces new Business Club initiative

Harrogate Clothes Bank

Harrogate Clothes Bank  has announced a new business sponsorship club to help support its operations.

The charity, which offers free secondhand clothes to people in need, is looking for business sponsors who can contribute towards their rent.

Based Hornbeam Business Park, the organisation is looking for sponsors who can each donate, or pledge to fundraise, the equivalent of one month’s rent of its warehouse premises.

A spokesperson for the charity said:

“We are 100% funded by charitable donations and rely on support from businesses and the community. Harrogate Clothes Bank is run entirely by volunteers who sort donations, run our public-facing sessions and fundraising events, as well as provide invaluable behind-the-scenes expertise. We serve Harrogate and the surrounding communities and people find us through organisations such as social services, homelessness housing support, food banks, GPs, churches, schools, colleges, refugees and asylum seeker support groups.”

“We could not continue to run our vital service without this amazing local support.”

Jespers manager celebrates 30 years at the store

Jespers of Harrogate’s manager Lynn Cummings outside the shop in the centre of town.

Lynn Cummings is celebrating her 30th year with Harrogate business Jespers.

She joined the firm as a sales assistant on April 18th, 1994, before being promoted to second assistant retail manager two-and-a-half years later.

In 1997, she was sent to manage the York store, and returned to Harrogate in 1999 to take up the role of manager, which she has held since.

Ms Cummings said:

“I’ve seen a lot of changes at Jespers over the three decades. We had manual tills and I remember all the typewriters on display in the shop window. It was a different type of era, more traditional. We used to do printing, rubber stamps, and we had the pen counter, which was seen as a privilege to be asked to work on. Although much has changed, our traditional values of high-quality products and personal customer service remain. And the pen counter is still here, making us one of the few shops in the north of England to display an extensive range of pens that customers can try out.”

Harrogate Town partner with mental health charity

Wellspring-Pitch Positive

Harrogate Town AFC has embarked on a partnership with North Yorkshire mental health charity Wellspring Therapy & Training

The EFL League Two club hosted Wellspring at one of its popular Pitch Positive sessions held at Rossett Sports Centre.

The Pitch Positive evenings, which involve five-a-side football matches followed by informal group discussions over coffee, tea and biscuits, are designed to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing. Wellspring was represented by interim chief executive Nick Garrett and his colleague Robert Beaumont.

Lee McArthur, activity leader of Harrogate Town’s Community Foundation and one of the organisers of Pitch Positive, said:

“Thank you to Wellspring for your time, expertise, and dedication to supporting those navigating mental health challenges. Your presence truly made a difference and we are immensely grateful for the partnership between Pitch Positive and Wellspring.”

Coffee Lounge launches evening opening hours

Tom Gordon & Leda

Westmoreland Coffee Lounge has announced new evening opening hours.

In addition to their usual 8am-4pm hours, the shop will now be open 8am – until late Thursday to Saturday’s serving a range of alcoholic drinks including wine, spirits and cocktails.

Local businesses and residents from Westmoreland St & East Parade attended the launch event on Saturday 20th April.

Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate, Tom Gordon, attended the launch evening.

He said:

“It was fantastic to be at the launch for Westmoreland Coffee Lounges new evening opening hours,  and supporting Leda & the team. It’s a lovely little spot to work and relax, and it’s one of my regular places – just round the corner from where I live. Their coffee has always been fantastic, and I can confirm their espresso martinis are great too. I’m so thrilled to see this local business thriving & the fantastic turn out for the launch on Saturday evening.”

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Readers’ Letters is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. 

This letter follows news of the Otley Road cycleway in Harrogate being extended.

I use a mobility scooter to go up the pavements to the Co-op.

The pavements are a disgrace – as are the so-called dropped kerbs.

It improves a bit half-way up the road on the cycleway, but I have never actually seen a cyclist on the existing cycleway. Why? Because it’s dangerous and confusing!

The section I use has corrugated concrete which is a nightmare to cross. People with prams and elderly pedestrians also have issues.

I have contacted councillor Keane Duncan several times about the pavements, and the pedestrian crossing on Otley Road near the Prince of Wales roundabout.  He has replied at one stage about the crossing.  But he, and others from Highways, ignore my offer of going out with me on my scooter to let them see the state of pavements. They could use my scooter to see just how difficult it is.

Regarding his idea of buying The Grand Hotel, in Scarborough… I am speechless.

It is a beautiful historic building but does not warrant cllr Duncan spending tax payers’ money on it. Pavements and potholes should be a priority.

Ann Townson, Harrogate

Harrogate’s roads are deteriorating before our eyes…

On the topic of Harrogate roads, this letter bemoans the state of them. Few topics boil our readers’ blood more than potholes, gullies and poor road conditions.

Why, oh, why are our roads disintegrating before our eyes?

Surely the council should be thoroughly embarrassed, considering we live in a town that promotes cycling.

They waste money on harebrained schemes, such as the Gateway, but cannot plan road replacements.

And don’t even get me going about road gully maintenance.

Phil Brown, Harrogate

Ripon is becoming a ‘laughingstock’ with the number of construction projects

This letter responds to several potential and ongoing construction projects in Ripon, including the leisure centre, housing developments and the Cathedral annexe saga.

Ripon is becoming a laughing stock with the number of issues relating to construction projects.

Firstly, the farce of a leisure centre being built on totally unsuitable land.

Then there is the ridiculous state of the road around the Market Square and the housing development built on greenbelt land at the top of South Grange Road.

And now the absolute debacle of the Cathedral annexe.

It is an absolute joke, are the powers that be able to plan, or deliver, a construction project with any level of professionalism?

Tony Sidwell, Ripon

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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