Readers’ Letters: 'Perhaps the council could devise a cheaper way to issue pavement licences'

Readers’ Letters is a free weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

This week, we’ve published a letter and collated some of our readers’ comments that have been left on a recent story.

North Yorkshire Council approved plans to increase the cost of pavement licences this week. Local hospitality businesses criticised the decision, with one businessowner calling it a “tin-eared and ill-thought-out proposal”. The below comments were left on the story.

I read with dismay that pavement licences were to cost significantly more, with knock-on costs to the customer. If it really does cost so much to issue a licence, perhaps a cheaper system could be devised. For example, an indefinite licence could be issued based on an initial health and safety inspection. The system could run on trust, with heavy penalties for breaches. Perhaps our councillors could brainstorm some alternatives.

John Shaw

The proposed increased fees are still very reasonable - consider that a car-parking space in town will cost you much, much more!

Stephen Oliver

When will we see the “efficiency” savings from North Yorkshire Council? There are lots of increases and policy "reviews" but no cuts to council tax and business rates.

Colin Willetts

Resident calls for bus-stop seating in Harrogate

This letter raised concerns over a lack of seating at a bus stop in Harrogate, and the impact this could have on accessibility.

Since Transdev changed the number six bus route, a new stop has been put on the Beckwith Road ‘green triangle’, which is near Pannal Ash.

People have to stand whilst waiting for the bus, and a seat would be good for those who are disabled. Some are sitting on walls at people’s property, which is not comfortable, or leaning on sticks.

Could Harrogate Town Council or North Yorkshire Council come up with a solution, please? Preferably a seat.

Valerie Cooke

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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