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28
Apr
Council makes decision on 'shabby' Harrogate D-Day plaque ahead of VE Day events
The “shabby” plaque near Harrogate’s war memorial that commemorates D-Day is to be renovated in time for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, North Yorkshire Council has told the Stray Ferret.
The plaque, which was laid in 1994 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Normandy landings, has fallen into disrepair over the intervening 30 years, and as we reported last week, retired headteacher Dennis Richards had called it “shabby” and “a mess” and called for it to be spruced up in time for the VE Day commemorations on May 8.
He said the plaque’s current state “dishonours what occurred on D-Day. It can’t be interpreted any other way”.
The plaque was laid 30 years ago.
D-Day was when Allied forces landed in northern France on June 6, 1944, in the largest amphibious operation the world has ever seen, starting the liberation of western Europe from Nazi forces.
Victory in Europe Day – more commonly known as VE Day – followed on May 8, 1945, and marked the end of the war in Europe and the victory of the Allies over Germany.
Mr Richards' view was shared by Michael Newby, chair of Harrogate Civic Society, who wrote to North Yorkshire Council to ask if it could arrange for the plaque to be renovated.
He said:
I think it’s very important that this gets done. If any plaques like this look scruffy, it looks as if the town just doesn’t care.
There were fears that time was running out and that the plaque would not be refurbished in time for the VE Day commemorations.
So the Stray Ferret contacted North Yorkshire Council to ask what plans it had to renovate it.
In an email, Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, replied:
The D-Day landings were a pivotal moment in history and this plaque offers an important local reminder of the bravery and sacrifice made by so many to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today.
I would like to thank members of the public who contacted the council about the plaque’s condition, after it had fallen into a state of disrepair.
Our in-house maintenance team will be looking to renovate the plaque over the coming days, with the hope of it being restored in time for VE Day on May 8.
The empty plinth.
The plaque has now been removed for restoration, which will likely entail the removal of the remaining paint and the application of new layers.
Mr Richards said it was “fantastic” news, adding:
I’m absolutely delighted, and obviously grateful to the council, who have done a good job in responding appropriately.
Well done to them, and well done to the Stray Ferret for highlighting the issue.
As we reported on Friday, a coalition of local groups has come together to arrange Harrogate’s commemoration of VE Day next week, with artwork, bunting, installations and decorative lighting.
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