Knaresborough residents have begun campaigning to save Fsyche Field when the town's swimming pool and leisure centre is rebuilt.

The park, next to the leisure centre, is used by local families and sports clubs.

But campaigners fear it will be concreted over under plans by Harrogate Borough Council to rebuild the leisure centre.

Local resident David Hull has set up a website and Facebook page to encourage more people to join his campaign to save Knaresborough's only recreational green space.

The Facebook group has 36 members, which Mr Hull hopes will increase as more people hear of the plans.

Mr Hull has concerns about the loss of green space and increase in traffic pollution.

He also believes the council hasn't clearly explained to people the threat to Fsyche Field. Several people he knows were unaware it could be lost.

Mr Hull said he has no issue with the current site being used for further development but is determined to stop any building on the recreational field.

He said:

Mr Hull questioned the need for a new leisure centre and suggested the money could be better spent on refurbishing the existing pool rather than demolishing it.

He has suggested the council looks at nearby brownfield sites for the development.

He has also been in touch with local councillors of all political parties to put forward his concerns.

Read more:

• HBC has said it is now looking for UK engineers to fix the problems at Knaresborough pools.


• Four major transport schemes hoping to improve Harrogate are up for debate today. 

The current site was one of four options put forward by the council. The others included Hay-a-Park and Conyngham Hall.