Readers' Letters: It is time for the Stray to be made fit for the 21st century?

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.

The Stray is a brilliant asset to Harrogate but currently it is very underused with only a few fairs held on it each year and other than around Montpellier and Tewit Well the rest of the stray is just empty grass.

Why is it that a vocal minority seem to make it virtually impossible for any changes to be made which don’t fit into their narrow agenda? Footpaths are narrow with pedestrians and cyclists often coming into conflict, the facilities are just atrocious, and the true benefits of this beautiful green lung are not being unlocked. Imagine two-way segregated cycle paths alongside Slingsby Walk and the major roads crossing the stray, or wider footpaths, attractive seating, improved loos and facilities for the weekend football clubs, a running track for the park runners, beautiful flower beds, rows of ornamental cherries, or perhaps a pond and some rewilded areas.

The Stray would be of so much more value to the people of this town if only it could be dragged out of the 19th century. If the loss of grass is a problem, then perhaps roads such as Stray rein and Coach Road which are lined with unsightly parked cars could be removed and converted to stray land. Really it is time for the Stray Act to be updated so it is more fitting for the 21st century and caters for all townsfolk.

Harry Brown, Harrogate

Jennyfield road dressing ‘waste of money’

I just wanted to highlight some road top dressing that is currently underway around the Grantley Drive area of Jennyfield in what I believe is a complete waste of tax-payer money.

Grantley Drive and Hartwith Drive that runs off it were completely resurfaced a couple of years ago. The road surface was still absolutely pristine and among the best pieces of tarmac in the town so the top-dressing here is wholly unnecessary and is in fact now making the road worse than it was. I find it infuriating that other roads I cycle to work on such as Oakdale and Oakdale Avenue are still atrociously potholed and have been in dire need of repair for many years, yet the council see fit to undertake this complete waste of time, energy and money top-dressing an otherwise perfect piece of tarmac.

I plan on challenging the council over this and I hope you're able to help likewise hold them to account over this completely pointless endeavour.

Ben Stuart-Brown, Harrogate

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.

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