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30
Jul 2021
Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper today insisted that for "several years" HBC tried to persuade the Christmas Market organisers to change its location from Montpellier Hill to elsewhere in the town.
This is despite a 2016 council-commissioned report that categorically concluded the site was the best location for the market in Harrogate.
The Conservative council leader issued a statement this afternoon that explained why the authority decided not to issue an events licence for Montpellier Hill to organiser Brian Dunsby of Yorkshire Business Market, citing concerns over visitor safety.
Cllr Cooper said:
Harrogate Christmas market cancelled
It concluded:
The report was presented to HBC cabinet members in September 2016 and its recommendation to reject the alternative sites was voted by all senior HBC cabinet members, including Cllr Cooper.
The 2016 report suggests ill-feeling has lingered between HBC and organisers for some time.
It refers to a "breakdown in communications" during the early years of the market which led to "mistrust on both sides".
It appears history has repeated itself as Mr Dunsby was first made aware that HBC would not be issuing a licence when he was told by a Stray Ferret journalist yesterday evening.
Mr Dunsby said Montpellier Hill was the only suitable location for the market and told the Stray Ferret that he was "disgusted" by the council's decision. He said he plans to appeal it.
Mr Chapman said:
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