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Jun 2024
Will land train become regular fixture in Harrogate's Valley Gardens?
A land train was introduced to Harrogate's Valley Gardens last month as part of a week of half-term activities.
But the train, organised by Crow Leisure Group Ltd , has continued to travel around the gardens since then.
Alex Crow, founder and chief executive of Crow Leisure, told the Stray Ferret this week the train was due to return on a more permanent basis.
He said the Magical Express will not run this weekend but will return in the next couple of weeks and then operate regularly at weekends.
Mr Crow added that the full funfair would return for the school summer holidays in June when the fair and land train would operate daily for a month.
He said:
We extended the land train and have decided to bring it back due to the huge success it has had. Everyone we have spoken with loves it and the kids have really enjoyed the fair.
However, not everyone agrees. One reader, Patricia Chapman, got in touch to say:
I have a question for whoever is in charge of Harrogate these days, do we really need a 'train' trundling through the Valley Gardens? A Sunday afternoon walk was spoilt by this noisy, smelly addition to what should be a peaceful place to enjoy and it only had two passengers.
It was interesting to see more children enjoying the adventure playground than the fair. Is this another entertainment Harrogate doesn't need?
Mr Crow defended the train from the claims. He said:
I reject anyone saying it is noisy or disruptive – it adds a pleasant atmosphere. I don’t know what I would say to anyone who claimed that because I have never heard any bad reports.
We have only heard positive things and the land train is appropriate for the setting. It tours the beautiful gardens, and everyone can still see the gardens. I think it adds a different edge to the park.
The fair doesn’t play loud music or things like that. The kids love it and the council are on board for it to come back.
The Stray Ferret contacted North Yorkshire Council to confirm the land train's return.
However, the council’s assistant director for highways and transport, Barrie Mason, said:
We are currently in discussions with Crow Leisure regarding any future visits involving the land train and fair to Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.
While talks are in their early stages about forthcoming events, there is nothing to suggest the land train is set to become a permanent fixture.
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