Readers' Letters: Ripon City Council 'has become toxic'

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.

For the last month, the Stray Ferret has covered the political turbulence at Ripon City Council. The comments below were left under an article this week about a two-minute stand off between the Ripon mayor and a resident.

Ripon City Council has become toxic. If the elected representatives can’t talk to each other, can’t work together, or even listen to each other and the public, then it’s time to dissolve it and hold new elections. They will need to barr all current members from re-standing.

Richard Coppinger

I was always under the impression that councillors were representing the local communities, this appears to becoming a strange environment.

Vincent Doherty

I think whoever was shouting at the member of public should resign. How rude of her. The member of the public should have been listened to. Reading the other two comments, I’m inclined to agree that the council should be disbanded and re-election’s should take place.

Maggie Boyd

Knaresborough High Street lights

This week, the Stray Ferret published an article about a call for a set of traffic lights on Knaresborough High Street to be removed and replaced with a mini roundabout. These comments were left under the article.

What about pedestrians. At least the lights provide a measure of control that pedestrian crossings do not. Good luck at school lunch time and 3.30pm. Watch the traffic queues grow.

David Rockliff

I have complained to the council many times about these lights. On a morning (I pass through at 04.30) they are set to prioritise Gracious Street and are on permanent red for the A59. Many a time I queue with five or six cars, which at this time on a morning is ridiculous. They also turn back to red within 30 seconds. A mini roundabout would be very welcome if it could be made to work.

Keith Taylor

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.