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31
Oct 2024
Knaresborough Forest Park land could be sold as shortfall looms
Some of the land returned to public use after 250 years in Knaresborough this summer may have to be sold.
The Knaresborough Forest Park campaign raised £864,000 to buy 60 acres of land and protect it from development. The Stray Ferret attended the event to mark the occasion, which you can read about here.
But the sum included £300,000 from a high interest loan that is due to be repaid by November 5.
A crowdfunding campaign to pay back the loan has so far raised £151,000 — just over half the amount required.
If the remainder is not found soon, the Long Lands Common community benefit society that oversees the project will be charged monthly interest on the outstanding loan. The rate of interest will go up from 3% to 6% to 9% over the course of the year.
If payments cannot be met, the land between Knaresborough and Harrogate may be sold.
Organisers today appealed for people to buy or gift shares to secure the land's future.
Shan Oakes, vice chair of Long Lands Common, said:
We need all those people out there who are intending buying shares or donating to please do it now. We know there are lots of you in that position, as we keep meeting you in the Valley Gardens or in Knaresborough Market.
Now is the time to support us, so that we can avoid paying interest on the remaining loan, and if you struggle with technology we have low tech means of payment you can use, so please don’t despair. You can even come and see us on Wednesdays at 2 Butter Lane — the ginnel between Knaresborough High Street and the Market Square.
Organisers said the “worst-case scenario” would see the group “have to consider reselling part of the land”.
Membership secretary Alison Organ said:
It’s important to us that we use investors' money wisely, and we’d much rather see it go towards the heart of the project than towards interest payments, so if you think this cause is worthwhile, please support it now.
Shares can be bought, or given to others as a gift, here. Or you can download an application form here.
Campaigners have been holding stalls, organising events and liaising with supportive organisations such as the White Rose Forest, the Woodland Trust and the Wildlife Trusts.
A sell-out fundraising evening at Knaresborough House run by Amanda George and Andy Ison last Saturday boosted funds.
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