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 week, we’ve collated some of our readers’ comments that have been left on recent stories.

This week, readers have got in touch about litter in Harrogate. We've collated some letters we have received on the topic, including pictures, below.

I am appalled at the amount of litter on our streets here in Harrogate. I know it’s not PC but what happened to Keep Britain Tidy?

The complete lack of responsibility of day trippers weekender and locals in taking their rubbish home or disposing of take away containers leaves Harrogate like a down at heel sea side town.

Etna Herbet, Harrogate

Even if I were to never read a paper or watch the news I would know it’s end of term/exam time.  An early morning walk on the Stray would tell me all I needed to know. I dare say your pupils have worked very hard & I’m the last person to deny them a chance to let their hair down but why do they insist on leaving their trash scattered in the way you see in the attached photos. Five large bin bags worth this morning, dispersed in some places with smashed bottles, in others with items of school uniform. In many cases the detritus was feet away from a bin. 

I never thought I would hear myself saying the words “the youth of today” followed by a massive sigh of disgust but that was exactly what I did this morning and have done on four or five other mornings since the start of exams. One day soon the young adults responsible for this will be looking for jobs, will be the future of our (their) town, our (their) country, our (their) world. Heaven help us.

Robin Thompson, Harrogate

This letter is in response to the debate over whether a levy paid by Harrogate Spring Water to the council should be reallocated to Harrogate. The Stray Ferret has covered the debate in this article.

Hallelujah at last a town council based in Harrogate led by a mayor who is putting the interests of Harrogate first.

His predecessor from 2023-24 Cllr Harrison says it is “nonsense” for Harrogate to claim “rights” to its name being used for commercial purposes. It seems completely logical to me as it would if I lived in Champagne. Logical to being the point of a “no-brainer”. Harrogate is a massive player for North Yorkshire tourism and the new mayor knows it, even if Cllr Harrison doesn’t.

Dennis Richards OBE, 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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