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09
Apr 2023
'The council have destroyed 99 years of model boats in Harrogate'
A new fountain in Harrogate's Valley Gardens has effectively ended a century of model boating, according to the club that has used it for decades.
Claro Marine model boating club pleaded with Harrogate Borough Council to halt the £6,000 installation of the fountain in the boating pond near the cafe.
It said water from the fountain would damage the boats' engines and jeopardise their hobby.
But the council, which was abolished a week ago, pressed ahead and the fountain was switched on a few days ago.
The pond has been used for model boating for 99 years.
Cub secretary Dave Finnegan, 69, told the Stray Ferret he was "very sad" because it spelled the end of a pastime he had pursued since childhood.
Mr Finnegan said:
The club, he said, had been told the fountain would be situated in the deep end but it was actually in the middle of the pond, creating more of an obstacle.
The fountain is expected to operate from 9.30am to 6pm each day.
Mr Finnegan said:
The fountain has created an obstacle in the middle of the pond.
Mr Finnegan said the club was now trying to find another pond in the Harrogate area.
Alison Wilson, head of parks and environment services at Harrogate Borough Council, previously told the club:
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