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:
“However, following lengthy discussions I have had with the Harrogate Borough Council enforcement team about tidying up the site, it has been agreed that hoardings with a gated access will be put in place to cover off the area.”
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.
The derelict site is on the route to Fountains Abbey, Newby Hall and Ripon city centre
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Council leader Andrew Williams said:
“We should make the payment on the proviso that when the land is eventually sold by the Crown, we and Harrogate Borough Council will be reimbursed.
“In the meantime, the area has to be tidied up and made safe. My concern is that there are footings on the site that are full of water and we wouldn’t want children to get in there and come to any harm.”
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:
“The artwork could include images that promote the city’s history and heritage attractions.”
Not all members were in favour of making a donation towards the cost of the project.
Councillor Pauline McHardy, said:
“I’m not opposed to the hoardings, but don’t see why we should be asked to pay £1,250 out of precept money. People in Ripon should not be facing double taxes.
“Harrogate Borough Council receives plenty of council tax from our residents and should pay for the work from this,”
