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25
Sept
Harrogate ‘being allowed to rot’, says civic society
Some of Harrogate’s most historic sites are “being allowed to rot before our very eyes”, according to the chair of the town’s civic society.
Michael Newby questioned whether North Yorkshire Council cared about the town amid frustration at way assets are being left to decay.
He even described part of Valley Gardens as “squalid”.
Mr Newby said:
Harrogate has some astounding heritage assets but they are being allowed to rot before our very eyes.
Buildings such as the Sun Parlours in the Valley Gardens, St John’s Well and Tewit Well are part of Harrogate’s story and all three are listed which means that Historic England considers them to be ‘buildings of special architectural or historic interest with legal protection’. All three need attention with missing rooves, rotten window frames and cracked masonry.
It is not only their intrinsic historic value and part of what makes Harrogate a great place to live but they are also important in attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer and come back. Are we really expecting people to return to the Valley Gardens to experience the squalid condition of the Sun Parlours?
The Library Gardens shelter is awaiting repairs.
The Stray Ferret has written about many of the issues raised by Mr Newby, including here.
Mr Newby said the civic society was also concerned about rotting shelters on West Park, the war memorial on Wetherby Road whose inscription is barely legible and the disappearing ‘serpent benches’.
He added:
I first contacted the council 18 months ago to ask what has happened to the benches that have been removed but I am still to receive an answer.
These are by no means unique to Harrogate but they have been part of our townscape for over 100 years. They are also significant because the serpent can be found on the Rod of Asclepius, the Greek god of health and well-being which has been fundamental to Harrogate’s history. There are 14 of these benches in Station Gardens; what will happen to them when this area gets the ‘Station Gateway’ treatment? And what will happen to the heritage lampposts at One Arch when it also receives the ‘Station Gateway’ treatment?
The Stray Ferret has approached North Yorkshire Council for a response.
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