Editor’s Pick of the Week: St George’s flag frenzy and council tip restrictions

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Two weeks ago, it was a possible end to disc parking… then it was an increase in missed bin collections… now the talk at North Yorkshire Council is of restricting use of household waste recycling centres.

Tory finance chief Gareth Dadd warned residents this month to “be prepared for the most severe budget round ever” and so it is proving.

As political messages go, it was hardly the most uplifting. In fact, he might as well have mirrored former Tory Prime Minister Harold Macmillan by saying “you’ve never had it so bad” — but full marks for honesty.

Expect public loos to be next in the fiscal firing line as the autumnal drive to balance the books goes into overdrive.

Even the perilous state of public finances paled into insignificance this week compared with the coverage given to St George’s flags, which are sprouting up everywhere.

They were trodden on in Ripon and taken down in Knaresborough while crude red and white graffiti was sprayed at 15 locations in Boroughbridge in what at times felt like a classic summer silly season story.

Flags may have divided opinion, but few will feel sympathy for the Tesla driver whose parking outside the Shepherds Dog pub in Harrogate attracted police attention.

There will, however, be plenty of concern for market traders in Ripon, who face uncertain futures after the council set-up its last stalls this week. It’s now up to traders to supply and erect their own stalls, which has cast doubt over the market’s long-term future.

Fruit and veg seller Brian Murphy accused Ripon City Council of failing to do enough to support traders. Knaresborough Town Council, by contrast, is bidding to take over its weekly market.

Finally, some good news. The 24 bus between Pateley Bridge and Harrogate, is going to run later services at weekends. Not the sexiest news, but a real boost for the many isolated villages connected by this route.