Readers’ Letters: Harrogate is crying out for change – it’s losing its appeal

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 reader feels there is little to do in Harrogate – especially on a rainy day. Here’s what he had to say:

Whenever it rains in Harrogate, there is little you can do - especially for kids and young teenagers.

It needs indoor entertainment, such as roller or ice-skating; a bowling alley, disco cafés for kids to hang out; laser quest; trampolines; pinball machines etc.

They all should be under one roof, with cafés and bars around the outside and small restaurants for adults to sit and enjoy whilst watching their kids.

Anything to bring people into Harrogate with children on a rainy day. At the moment, there is nothing - I know, I have grandchildren.

The old council building would have been perfect to split up as franchises for the above.

Come on councillors, think out of the box a bit more and use your imagination. These are things that bring revenue to a town.

Also, why aren’t the pavilion and stage in Valley Gardens used more at weekends?

There are hundreds of people willing to provide entertainment for free every week - this would draw more people in. Have a few hot dog stands, an ice cream van and a drinks stand - it would be great. Instead, we get a brass band or a school play, say twice a year, if we’re lucky.

It’s crying out for change; get someone in with some imagination and get Harrogate back to a place people want to visit. Currently, it’s losing its appeal.

Also, sort the Christmas market out. It’s rubbish and same old, same old, every year.

End of rant.

Kenneth Reed, Harrogate 

A question for our readers…

This reader is hoping others may be able to answer a burning question. 

I am wondering if anyone can enlighten me as to what the purpose of these round objects (pictured below) on some of the pavements are.

This one was near the Everyman cinema on Albert Street.

Janet Palmer, Appleby Avenue in Knaresborough

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.

If you enjoyed reading this article then please subscribe to read all our content. Subscription costs £4.99 a month or £49.99 if you pay annually.

That works out at less than a pound a week. You will also enjoy exclusive subscriber discounts. Click here to subscribe.