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17
Oct 2023
A "historic" deal is set to unshackle Ripon from years of neglect by councillors in Harrogate, it was claimed today.
North Yorkshire Council's ruling executive agreed to set up a project team to oversee Ripon people taking control of Ripon Town Hall, the market place and car park, public toilets and the Wakeman’s House.
The assets were controlled by Harrogate Borough Council until it was abolished in April.
North Yorkshire Council agreed to trial local management as part of its commitment to what its Conservative leadership calls "double devolution".
Councillor Andrew Williams, a member of the Conservative and Independents group who represents Ripon Minster and Moorside, praised the move at today's meeting and launched an eviscerating attack on Harrogate Borough Council.
He said:
The Wakeman's House
Laughter was heard when Cllr Williams added:
He then criticised the decision to close public toilets at 9pm when the city encouraged visitors to watch the nightly hornblower ceremony. He added:
Cllr Barbara Brodigan, a Liberal Democrat who represents Ripon Ure Bank and Spa, told the meeting she endorsed Cllr Williams' comments.
The executive agreed unanimously to proceed with the proposals.
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