Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP has thrown his weight behind a campaign for outdoor dining to return to the Stray.
Andrew Jones MP met Sharon and Simon Colgan, owners of the Blues Bar and The Empress, as well Trish Campbell, bar manager at The Empress, today.
While Mr Jones refused to speak to the Stray Ferret during or after the meeting, the bar owners said that he supported their campaign.
Harrogate Borough Council recently told the Blues Bar, The Empress and Fashion House Bistro that they cannot use tables and chairs on the Stray this year.
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The council did approve the measure last year but said after consulting with land owners the Duchy of Lancaster that it “would not be appropriate at this stage.”
Part of the reason the council gave was that it could “potentially inhibit the open access and enjoyment for all.”
Simon Colgan, co owner of The Empress and Blues Bar, told the Stray Ferret after his meeting with Mr Jones:
“Mr Jones seemed dumbfounded that it wasn’t rolling out again.
“He told us he would look into the council’s response, consult the Duchy of Lancaster and its chancellor Michael Gove.
“That is very positive isn’t it? It is great he did not dismiss us. We just want exactly the same as we had last year, there’s no reason not to do it again.
“We did press him and said time was of the essence, we do not want to miss out on this sun. When you go into town you can see there’s an appetite for it.”
