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    26

    Oct 2022

    Last Updated: 26/10/2022
    Environment
    Environment

    Harrogate's floral reputation looks set to continue

    by John Plummer

    | 26 Oct, 2022
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    The looming local government shake-up has caused uncertainty over how well the new North Yorkshire Council will care for Harrogate's appearance.

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    Flowers in Harrogate

    The president of Harrogate in Bloom has said she is confident the town will maintain its floral reputation after spring's shake-up of local government.

    Harrogate Borough Council's parks and environmental services department has played a major role in maintaining the district's green spaces over the last 50 years.

    It has worked closely with Harrogate in Bloom and other volunteer groups on landscaping and creating attractive flower displays that are a major part of the town's tourist appeal.

    But the council will be abolished on April 1, triggering fears the new North Yorkshire Council, which will be based in Northallerton, might not value Harrogate's appearance as highly and might not collaborate with local groups.



    Pam Grant, president of Harrogate in Bloom, said she was "reassured" after talks with a representative of the new local authority about future plans. She said:

    "The new council wants Harrogate in Bloom to continue and it wants Harrogate to maintain its floral reputation.
    "I'm assured nothing will change overnight on April 1 and no drastic changes are planned.
    "Nobody likes uncertainty but I feel reassured."


    Harrogate in Bloom is a volunteer-run group, which works with other community groups on town centre schemes.

    It has also forged close relationships with Harrogate Borough Council and, more recently, Harrogate Business Improvement District, which has funded barrier baskets, hanging baskets and shop planters.



    Harrogate was awarded a gold medal and named a winner in the small city category at this month's Yorkshire in Bloom awards.

    Ms Grant said:

    "Harrogate doesn't have a cathedral to attract visitors but it does have a reputation for being a nice town with lots of flowers and clean, fresh air."