Subscribe to trusted local news

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Mar 2021

Last Updated: 18/03/2021

Politics

Plans for Knaresborough pool 'catastrophic' for environment

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 18 Mar, 2021

A campaign has been launched to prevent Fsyche Field being concreted over under plans by Harrogate Borough Council to rebuild the town's leisure centre.

Knaresborough residents have begun campaigning to save Fsyche Field when the town's swimming pool and leisure centre is rebuilt.

The park, next to the leisure centre, is used by local families and sports clubs.

But campaigners fear it will be concreted over under plans by Harrogate Borough Council to rebuild the leisure centre.

Local resident David Hull has set up a website and Facebook page to encourage more people to join his campaign to save Knaresborough's only recreational green space.

The Facebook group has 36 members, which Mr Hull hopes will increase as more people hear of the plans.

Mr Hull has concerns about the loss of green space and increase in traffic pollution.

He also believes the council hasn't clearly explained to people the threat to Fsyche Field. Several people he knows were unaware it could be lost.

Mr Hull said he has no issue with the current site being used for further development but is determined to stop any building on the recreational field.

He said:

"Its outrageous what the council are doing to get away with it. Our aim is to protect the green space because once it's gone it'll be gone forever.

"We want to get the message out there. It'll have a catastrophic effect, it's a great amenity to the town."

Mr Hull questioned the need for a new leisure centre and suggested the money could be better spent on refurbishing the existing pool rather than demolishing it.

He has suggested the council looks at nearby brownfield sites for the development.

He has also been in touch with local councillors of all political parties to put forward his concerns.

HBC has said it is now looking for UK engineers to fix the problems at Knaresborough pools.

Four major transport schemes hoping to improve Harrogate are up for debate today.

A total of £23 million is set to be spent on leisure facilities in the district, including the Knaresborough rebuild.

Although only at design stage, the council has confirmed Alliance Leisure Services has been appointed to work on the project.

A council spokesman said:

“We have carried out an options appraisal to evaluate potential sites in Knaresborough.

"Each site was judged against set criteria including; location, physical appearance, access as well as any planning or legal factors that may influence the decision. Based on the work carried out, the existing site has been recommended for the location of the new leisure centre.

“Although the existing site in Knaresborough has been recommended, we are still in the early stages and no formal plans have been submitted.

“The current venue is nearing 30 years old, is operating at capacity, only provides a swimming pool and has a number of ongoing maintenance issues which are not resolvable without significant investment."

The current site was one of four options put forward by the council. The others included Hay-a-Park and Conyngham Hall.

Subscribe to trusted local news

Plans for Knaresborough pool 'catastrophic' for environment

Read more: