In a strongly-worded opinion piece, Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam argues that people have been hoodwinked by the idea that bigger is better and gives local government, gas, electricity and water as examples of how Harrogate achieved more when it was governed locally.
Heritage
Opinion: The big lie
The news that we are all facing extraordinary rises in energy prices, together with the forthcoming reorganisation of local government are but two aspects of the great lie and con trick played on us by decades of politicians and career officers, that bigger is always...
Heritage groups say ‘no justification’ for Harrogate Debenhams demolition
Two influential national heritage groups have issued strong objections to plans to demolish the former Debenhams on Parliament Street in Harrogate. The site has been home to different retailers on Parliament Street for over a century.
Ripon councillors call for Harrogate to return assets
As local government prepares for its biggest shake-up in 50 years, councillors in Ripon are calling for the return of key assets, such as the town hall and Hugh Ripley Hall, that were handed to Harrogate Borough Council in 1974.
Ripon sets aside £105,000 for four-day platinum jubilee extravaganza
Events celebrating the queen’s 70 years on the throne will include a street party, concerts and civic service. They will take place over the Bank Holiday weekend of June 2 to 5.
Entries open for Ripon Civic Society design awards
The awards are usually held every two years but covid forced their cancellation in 2020. Winners in 2018 included the Himalayan Garden in Grewelthorpe, The Spa at Swinton Park and High Trees.
Harrogate’s Royal Baths: the council’s under-performing ‘trophy investment’
North Yorkshire County Council forecast the Baths would generate £500,940 a year when it bought them for £9m in 2018. But a Stray Ferret investigation reveals they have generated just £461,000 in the three years since, raising questions about the council’s business acumen.
How I’d develop the Royal Baths and Prospect Square
In the final part of a series of three articles by celebrated local historian Malcolm Neesam on how he would improve Harrogate, he considers the future of the Royal Baths and Prospect Square.
My radical blueprint for Station Parade and Cambridge Street
In the second of a series of three articles by celebrated local historian Malcolm Neesam on how he would improve Harrogate, he suggests radical changes for Station Parade, smartening up Cambridge Street and improvements to Library Gardens and Princes Square.
How I’d unlock the potential of Crescent Gardens
In the first of a series of three articles by celebrated local historian Malcolm Neesam on how he would improve Harrogate, he looks at improving Crescent Gardens, replacing the ‘piecemeal bungling’ of the Island site and creating stunning fountains on Prospect Place.
Pilgrims brave the elements for Ripon’s Boxing Day walk
More than 100 people walked four miles from the cathedral to Fountains Abbey, where they sang carols, in a Boxing Day tradition that dates back 45 years.
Ripon Cathedral’s 1350 programme receives £60,000 boost
A programme that will enable more people to engage with and enjoy the heritage of Ripon Cathedral in its 1350th anniversary year, has been awarded lottery funding.
Harrogate’s former registry office demolished ahead of rebuild
Hornbeam Park Developments has planning permission to build offices on the site of Victoria Park House on Victoria Avenue. The developer will rebuild the facade and some walls as part of the new building, which will include a two-storey extension.
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Can a meat eater truly enjoy a vegan meal? Here’s Steph’s recipe for vegan roasted vegetable buckwheat pancakes that went down a treat in the Moon household.