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01
Dec 2020
Derelict land in Ripon blocked off amid safety concerns
Work is underway to block off derelict land on a former building site in Ripon that has been identified as a safety hazard to children and an eyesore.
Harrogate Borough Council is installing hoardings at a cost of £5,000 on the land at Skellgarths.
The land, at the junction with Duck Hill, formerly housed Ripon's first purpose-built public library, which was demolished in 2014 after the site was bought for housing redevelopment.
Ripon city councillor Councillor Mike Chambers, who is also a district and county councillor, told last week's virtual city council meeting the developer was declared bankrupt in January 2019 and the land now belonged to the Crown.
He added:
Because the developer is bankrupt, there is no means of recouping the cost of blocking the area from view and it was agreed Ripon City Council will make a £1,250 donation towards the works.
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Council leader Andrew Williams said:
A suggestion made by Cllr Williams at the city council's October meeting that the hoardings include artwork produced by a local group, was reiterated by Councillor Stuart Martin.
Cllr Martin, said:
Not all members were in favour of making a donation towards the cost of the project.
Councillor Pauline McHardy, said:
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